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Understanding blood test readings

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david00697
david00697

After receiving two different views from two different doctors, I hope someone can clarify the correct position.  In assessing cholesterol I have been told that a triglyceride reading (2.0mmol/L) is above the level it should be (given as 1.7mmol/L).  This is not in dispute.  I was also told that the HDL cholesterol reading  is 1.25mmol/L.  One doctor told me that this was 'too high' and that it should be below 1.03mmol/L, while the second said that the reading should be above 1.03 mmol/L (as it is) to be considered normal. Advice and clarification welcome!

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • marco
    marco david00697

    Posted

    My cholesterol reports have always shown HDL limits between 0.90 and 1.90 mmol/L
  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname david00697

    Posted

    Hi David

    So HDL is high density lipoproteins. Sometimes you will hear it referred to as the "good" cholesterol. The higher the better...without limit.

    LDL are low density lipoproteins. LDLs cause plaque in blood vessels. We want this number to be as low as possible.

    So, what is considered "high cholesterol "

    a good total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or lower

    borderline total cholesterol is 200 to 239 mg/dL

    high total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or higher

    a good LDL is 100 mg/dL or lower

    borderline LDL is 130 to 159 mg/dL

    high LDL is 160 mg/dL or higher

    good HDL is 40 mg/dL or higher

    Perhaps you will obtain a copy of the laboratory report...typically to the right of your score they include a legend of the acceptable range.

    kind regards

    judith

    • david00697
      david00697 ihavenonickname

      Posted

      Thanks for this. So an HDL reading of 1.25 mmol/L is the 'right' side of the line (if the line is at 1.03mmol/L) not the 'wrong' side?  Or can one only really consider HDL within the context of an overall (good and bad)cholesterol level?

    • ihavenonickname
      ihavenonickname david00697

      Posted

      Hi David

      Whatever HDL you have, more is always better.

      It is the LDL number that is mosy important...we want that number very small

      kind regards

      judith

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