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What Causes Elevated LDL Level?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Question: 3 weeks ago the hospital checked my cholesterol for LDL AND THE READING WAS 116. THIS PASS WEEK MY DOCTOR CHECKED MY BLOOD AGAIN AND THE LDL READING WAS 179. WHAT IS HAPPENING?
THANKS FOR ANY FEEDBACK YOU CAN GIVE ME.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need to have complete lipid profile testing result

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

LDL reading is not measured directly, but is being calculated. So, for an accurate calculation, I'd like to have the results of other cholesterol numbers. If other parameters are changing, LDL will change too.

In your case, an LDL count of 179 is considered slightly elevated.

Looking forward to have other parameters of lipid profile testing in.

Thank you!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (42 hours later)

On 6/6/2014 8:30 AM, HealthcareMagic wrote:
Thanks for your quick response...... info you needed as follows:
LDL HDL TRI TOT CHOL
3 WKS AGO AT HOSPITAL 118 33 140 179
THIS PAST WEEK 174 48 165 255
IN CASE IT HELPS:
HEIGHT: 5FT 8"
WEIGHT 158
EXERCISE: 1 HR DAILY

THANKS: XXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly provide the following data...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back Rod,

Now, first I want to know :
- why you was hospitalized 3 weeks ago (diagnosis at entrance and discharge)
- what medications you had during this time?
- any new diet regimen you have implemented? If no, is your diet high in carbohydrates or processed foods?
- are you physically involved?
- any new activity recently introduced?
- do you suffer of diabetes or other metabolic disease?

To my first impression, you should have taken any new drug that might have changed your cholesterol numbers to this extend. First, I want to have these data; then, I can admit if it is the case of lab error before asking to have another lab test done.

Looking forward to have the requested data in!
Thank you!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (8 hours later)

Hospitalized for chest pains. After a number of
tests, was discharged with no sign of heart problems.
Believed to be muscular issues.
No medication prior or after visit...except one baby aspirin
at hospital.
No diet changes prior or after visits....no Hi Carbs
or processed foods. Daily physical workouts to include
weight lifting, pull ups, push ups, running, etc.
No new activities....diabetes or other metabolic diseases.
Blood pressure is normal.

Thanks again for hanging on.
Rod

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (37 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible lab error...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back Rod,

After evaluating your medical data, it seems to be a lab error. As the lab analyzers are automatic, there might have been any error while reading the results. I do not find them worrisome. I suggest to repeat testing after 3 months to see if any change.

Try not to eat at least 10 hours prior to testing and to continue the healthy lifestyle and diet regimen. Drinking alcohol or high calorie foods might alter the test results; so, try to avoid them.

All the best!
Dr.Albana
Let me know if I can assist you further!

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar