Oh My God...

[SpookCity_USA]

I thought I was so healthy and I was so excited to have gotten my blood work done. I was waiting for the results and got them today.
At first the nurse told me my cholestrol was elevated, I freaked out, I had thought for sure it would be in the normal range. I asked how bad it was and she said, "355, very high." Then she said, "But you're on that Atkin's Diet, correct ?"
I'm only 17...I'm extremely taken a back by this and I cannot beleive what I've just heard. I actually cried over it.
I exercise everyday, I don't really eat that much cheese or red meats. I eat mostly veggies and I don't understand what is going on. The only thing that I can think of that could have caused this is salad dressing. I sure don't think I over do them at all, though, so this is very frustrating for me.
How is this possible? I try to have flax in the morning and I happen to eat salmon more then ever.
I worry about everything, so now I won't be able to relax until they call back tomorrow.

I would NEVER have expected it to be over 200, but 355!? Help!

"High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets put people at risk for heart disease. Long-term, the saturated fat and cholesterol content of the diet will raise the bad cholesterol and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attacks. People who have lost weight and continue to maintain their weight on such diets will experience an increase in cholesterol levels because they continue to eat high amounts of saturated fat even though they are no longer losing weight."

I just found that while researching. I am now maintaining. :-\ As much as I loved this lifestyle, do you think I should try to change this WOE to get things back to normal?

[stephbob]

Didnt the nurse give you any advice at all? I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I have absolutely no idea what my cholesterol level is or what changes it.

I do know that Sunflower oil and seeds can help reduce and control cholesterol though, so if you're allowed them into your diet go for it!

[Chris]

How long have you been on Atkins? It's not the least bit unusual for your serum cholesterol to rise during the first month or two. Sometimes, it can rise quite a bit, and then start a sharp decline.

I think 2Big also had some problems with her cholesterol, and had to modify her diet to cut down on the saturated fats. Perhaps she'll chime in, here, with some of her wise words.

Remember, your genes are probably the biggest factor in determining how high your numbers are.

[ttdriver]

What is the breakdown of the HDL/LDL/Triglycerides??

Betty

[SpookCity_USA]

Originally Posted by Chris

How long have you been on Atkins? It's not the least bit unusual for your serum cholesterol to rise during the first month or two. Sometimes, it can rise quite a bit, and then start a sharp decline.

I think 2Big also had some problems with her cholesterol, and had to modify her diet to cut down on the saturated fats. Perhaps she'll chime in, here, with some of her wise words.

Remember, your genes are probably the biggest factor in determining how high your numbers are.

Aw, Thanks. I've been on the Atkin's diet since about last April or so.
Also, I'm not sure as to the breakdown of all the bloodwork that was done. I'll be finding all that out tomorrow, when/if they call. :-\

[LittleNemo]

Did you fast for 12 hours before the test... just make sure.. because that can skew it.

[Perry]

You didn't say what your numbers were *before* starting Atkins or the last time you were checked. Fluctuations up are expected as Dr. Atkins reported in his studies but they generally go down after the first 6 months or so on the plan. I don't recall the exact timeframe he gave but it was an extended period before the numbers reduced to normal.

[californiacasey]

How long have you been on Atkins? (If you are new to Atkins, the results are from your pervious lifestyle, not Atkins)

What is the breakdown?

Did you have your choles. checked before Atkins> If so, what was it?

How much do you exercise?

[mirna05]

Don't panic, wait for the breakdown of your tests. How much water are you having daily? are you taking your omega 3-6-9 and your vitamins?

[LC_Dave]

Just be aware that no 17 year old on Atkins will be developing heart disease in any major way. It occurs mainly in older folks because it's built from a lifetime of damage. Being on Atkins since last April will not cause sever and sudden heart disease.

In fact I do not know of anything that causes severe and sudden heart disease in anyone.

The only heart problem that you would have - if you had any - would not be related to your diet.

But you need to confirm all this with your Doctor.