Cholesterol is through the roof-what happened?

[write2thepoint]

OK, I need some feedback here--prior to my starting Atkins in July, my total cholesteral was 243, so after losing 25 pounds, I expected it to be much lower. Imagine my surprise when I got my results back today and my Total Cholesteral is now 372!!! What on earth happened because I thought our cholesteral was supposed to go down?

THe only changes in my life is that I had a total hysterectomy Oct 1 and am now taking Enjuvia--hormone replacement therapy. Could this be the reason, or should I go off Atkins and try something else? Please help--I really like this plan and don't want to give it up because weight-wise, it helps.

Thanks
Karen

[liv]

Did you get the breakdown between HDL, LDL, and triglycerides?
On Atkins most of us (and that happened to me) will see a rise in HDL cholesterol (called the good cholesterol) but a lowering of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (really bad ones). So sometimes the overall number goes up but because it is HDL it is nothing to worry about.

Have you been exercising at all?

[MommaRuthie]

Althought Hdl and go up and ldl go down, that is a dangerous cholesterol level to have. did you MD talk to you about starting some statins? Please talk with your MD.

[Razzle39]

I have to ask....did you fast for a full 12 hours?

[write2thepoint]

HI everyone--Yes, this was a fasting cholesteral. I had been exercising until my surgery and now just this week got the ok to resume exercising.
These are my readings
Total Cholesteral 372
HDL 83
Triglycerides 116
LDL 265
Non-HDL Chol 288

I also came back with a low white blood cell count of 3.6 and and an elevated monocyte differential of 13

Any medical people out there?

[valleriek]

hmm, let me go check

[write2thepoint]

thanks!

[valleriek]

Total Cholesteral 372 normal 140-200, this is highly eleveted, considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease.
HDL 83 ok
Triglycerides 116 ok
LDL 265 should be below 130, very high

I also came back with a low white blood cell count of 3.6 and and an elevated monocyte differential of 13 should be 4-6, indicated that the liver is in distress, likely from excess protein to digest. I am just a nursing student, hope that helps, I would go see the Dr again and discuss your diet.

[write2thepoint]

I am scheduled to see her on december 11--can you believe that is the soonest i can get in? I am starting red yeast rice and niacin again to see if that helps. What I don't get is that I have followed Atkins Religiously and can't understand the increase in cholesterol levels. has anyone else had this happen?

[jimmie 48]

my total chol. went up. not to the point of yours but over the suggested limit. but my HDL, which was poor pre atkins, was very good. my ratio was great so i am not at all worried. the tech taking my blood and doing my numbers said 'you must eat alot of veggies'. to which i replied, 'yep, a fair amount since i'm on atkins'. to which she replied, 'oh my, that diet is restricted to just meat, eggs and cheese'. to which i replied, 'no, you have that wrong, you should read the book'