Cholestrol nos out of whack

[Aya]

I got my first cholestrol test back from the dr since starting Atkins and the results are not cool. I know, I'll be calm.
My total is 256, HDL is 156, LDL is 91, Triglycerides are 23!!! (The paper's in the other room, this is not 100% but very close).
I just can't help not wanting to add as much fat as I should. And it's psychological but now after eating fat I feel mini heart restrictions (drama!) I'm going to really try and limit the saturated fat in favor of olive oils, omega 3 etc. Even fish gave me huge heartburn yesterday cos it was oily.
Anyone else have such low triglycerides? SImilar experience?

[sallyseachange]

Like you, I had a high total after a while on Atkins, and panicked. But learned that the total really means nothing. It's the ratio between LDL and HDL that's important for heart health, and the trigs.

I'm no expert (so correct me if I'm wrong anyone), but your results seem great to me:

An LDL of less than 100 is optimal.
An HDL of higher than 60 is optimal.
Triglycerides lower than 150 are optimal

Have you spoken to your doc about your results yet? I'm sure he'll reassure you.
Will be interested in anyone elses thoughts.
Stay calm!!

[ValidRouge]

I was going to say that I think your numbers are excellent!

[Aya]

Hi Sally,


Thanks for your reply! My doctor told me to go on a low-fat diet (don't they all). I did some research on the standards and my LDL being so high is definitely not good, even though my DHL is high, which is good. The triglycerides are almost abnormally low, which I guess is from not eating sugar? I dunno. At a ny rate I was eating coconut oil chocolate bark and coconut oil in yogurt about once a day after reading about the benefits but have quickly stopped that as it's a saturated fat.
Have your cholesterol levels balanced out?
It must be amazing to live in Italy, but how fantastic you are to be coping in the land of pasta, pizza, risotto and calzone! Isn't it a bit depressing not to be able to eat it?
Have a great day!

[Aya]

Originally Posted by ValidRouge

I was going to say that I think your numbers are excellent!

You do? Even with the LDLs being in the danger zone of over 150?

[ValidRouge]

My doctor told me (and you can research this yourself) that its the RATIO of LDL to HDL that is the important number.

Think of it this way, the higher the HDL number, the higher your LDL can be. The HDL helps MOVE the LDL out of your system so that its not a danger to your heart health.

So, if you typed correctly that your HDL is 156 and your LDL is 91, then that ratio is .51 (you want to be BELOW 5.0) this ratio is INCREDIBLY GOOD!!!! And, if that was a typo and your LDL is 156 and your HDL is 91, still that's a ratio of 1.7 and that's a FANTASTIC number too.

Triglycerides that low are fantastic.

If it were me, I'd be very discouraged that your doctor is only looking at the total number of 256!! Instead of looking at how good your numbers are individually.

[Aya]

I wish you were my doctor! Thanks for explaining that!! Actually (blush, blush) I did mix the two around and my LDL is 165 and HDL is 91. (How did you know???)

I really appreciate you taking the time to explain this!!!! And I feel a lot better now.

[sallyseachange]

Ditto what Joy says. Glad you feel better about the numbers. Your doctor should definitely not be looking at the total, regarding heart health. Ratio is the thing.

There's also considerable evidence that high cholesterol and consumption of sat fats do not cause heart probs... rather it's the trans fats that are the cardiac enemy No. 1. Worth looking at some of the studies... quite an eye-opener and always good to see the "other opinion". I for one, am converted, though I know that's going against the tide.

You ask about my results... well, I haven't had them checked in around a year. Both times I did have blood work done in the past, the results were pretty similar: High total (similar to yours as I remember... am away from home so, sorry, can't check for you) but great ratios. Am menopausal, so this has a big effect on LDL too. When I asked my doc if I could carry on eating cream, butter, meats and cheese he (and he was totally surprised by my results, given my way of eating) said: "Absolutely yes!"

Regarding your query on eating Atkins style in Italy... oh I simply love it!
I never thought I'd ever be able to do without pasta, pizza etc. but have found loads of alternatives if I want them (though, incredibly, I don't often want them anymore) like shiritaki noodles, very occasionally dreamfields, etc. There are some truly wonderful "other" foods here in Italy: Antipasti of all varieties, great meats, fish and veggies to die for.
I think we have wonderful quality of foods here, too... and the super EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) makes things taste terrific. Will say that because of the olive oil, my fat percentage is always higher than the average... but I got to goal and am able to maintain just fine, so I don't worry.