Cholesterol Numbers
 

My numbers have never been too bad out of line before I was dieting. Well last Thursday I went to the Dr. for my yearly woman visit and they did blood work. I got my numbers back today and was alittle surprised with the numbers between now and last year. They are not bad...just confusing. Here is what they are:

Today's Numbers

Total Cholesterol - 146 ..... under 200 is where it should be
Triglycerides - 179 ..... under 150 is where it should be
HDL (good) - 42 ..... higher the better...average woman should be 50-60
LDL (bad) - 68 ..... under 100 is where it should be


Last year at this time Numbers

Total Cholesterol - 183
Triglycerides - 131
HDL (good) - 51
LDL (bad) - 106



Ok so like I said my numbers are not bad but how can I be eating healthier now and my good cholesterol go down and my triglycerides go up past normal? When my Dr. left me a message she did not say anything was wrong but it really bothers me! Am I being silly?

Hey!

Are you under a lot of stress? And keep in mind, weight loss is stressful...

Your total cholesterol is great. I'd talk to your doctor and see what she has to say about the triglycerides and HDL.

You don't need any cholesterol-lowering drug, that's for sure! IMO.

Jay

She said my numbers were great so I guess she figures they will go down as I get closer to goal. I am under stress sometimes. I've done a bunch of reading about all this today and I think all the processed food I'm eating is the culprit. Everything else I have already changed. I have a frozen meal once a day and also use the 100 calorie packs as snacks. Maybe that is what is doing it. I guess I will switch that around a bit and see what happens. ;)

Were you fasting before this bloodwork? If not that would explain the triglycerides being different because they vary depending on what you eat before getting blood drawn. As for the HDL levels are you exercising? That will increase that level.

Thanks for replying....I did fast before the tests and I have been exercising my butt off literally! *lol*

A good way to reduce your triglycerides is to eliminate the processed, simple carbs and eat more 100% whole grain foods. Unfortunately, the 100 calorie snacks are usually not a good carb choice if you want whole grains.

To raise your HDL's you can try aerobic exercise, using more healthy oils like olive oil & nut butters, eating more fish (I take fish oil capsules), increasing fiber in your diet (fiber supplements help too), eliminating foods with transfats, and limiting alcohol.

Your weight loss is to be commended!

Since your total cholesterol includes both LDL and HDL, lowering your total cholesterol will lower both. But the HDL/LDL ratio (just HDL divided by LDL) should be 0.3 above.

In last years measurements, your ratio was 51/106 = 0.48.

This year it was 42/68 = 0.62. So, good got better :D.