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Cholesterol - Low HDL levels

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pauljoecoe
pauljoecoe

I had a test in January from which I was told by my docter that my Cholesterol was high. I don't have a breakdown of that test. After 6 months of eating a healthy diet and losing nearly 3 stone (I am now at my ideal weight) and reguar exersize I got another test done.  These ae the results:

Total Cholesterol 4.3 mmol/L

HDL - 1.0 mmol/L

Cholesterol/HDL ratio 4.3

Triglyceride - 0.9mmol/L

LDL  - 2.9mmol/L

My doctors surgery have told me it is 'satisfactory' no further action requited. 

However from research the internet I get the impression that my HDL is low. Is that right? If so what can I do to improve matters.

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • marco
    marco pauljoecoe

    Posted

    I was told by my GP that LDL should be 3.0 or less and my HDL should be 1.0 or above.

    But I'm sure another GP will give you a different answer.

    When taking statins and my LDL is below 3.0 my HDL is below 1.0. In the  absence of any advice from my GP, other than the Mediterrean diet and more exercise which hasn't made any difference I've given up statins.

  • peeceegee
    peeceegee pauljoecoe

    Posted

    Well done, Paul, you've obviously worked really hard.  I t depends if you wnat your profile to be acceptable or desirable.  This site has a good section on cholesterol, which includes the section:

    'Cholesterol blood levels

    The following levels are generally regarded as desirable:

    Total cholesterol (TC) - 5.0 mmol/L or less. However, about 2 in 3 adults in the UK have a TC level of 5.0 mmol/L or above.

    Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after an overnight fast: 3.0 mmol/L or less.

    High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: 1.2 mmol/L or more.

    TC/HDL ratio: 4.5 or less. That is, your total cholesterol divided by your HDL cholesterol. This reflects the fact that for any given TC level, the more HDL, the better.

    As a rule, the higher the LDL cholesterol level, the greater the risk to health.

    However, your level of cholesterol has to be viewed as part of your overall cardiovascular health risk. '

    Which agrees with you that you could do with increasing your HDL.  A really good site for advice is  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388?pg=2  

    I'm not sure what has improved my Total/HDL ratio (currently a healthy 2.7), as I'm losing weight and exercising, but I've also started eating oats/oatbran everyday, and taking plant sterols and Omega 3.  

    Good luck!

     

  • sonya10
    sonya10 pauljoecoe

    Posted

    Here are the current NHS guidelines for cholesterol levels

    LDL 3 mmol/l or lower

    HDL level above 1 mmol/l

    Triglyceride level under 1.7 mmol/l

    you really need to celebrate your Triglyceride level it's great. 

    As far as your HDL I really wouldn't worry but if you'd like to raise it then eat plenty of oily fish or take Omega 3 supplements

    hope that helps

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