What Do The Following Cholesterol Test Results Indicate?
Question: I got a cholesterol test done last week. Below is the report. I wanted to know if there is anything i should be worried about and what I should do to get the cholesterol levels under control. Thanks
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL PHOTOMETRY 184 mg/dl 125 - 200
HDL CHOLESTEROL - DIRECT PHOTOMETRY 28 mg/dl 35-80
TRIGLYCERIDES PHOTOMETRY 242 mg/dl 25 - 200
LDL CHOLESTEROL - DIRECT PHOTOMETRY 95 mg/dl 85 - 130
TC/ HDL CHOLESTEROL RATIO CALCULATED 6.5 Ratio 3.0 - 5.0
LDL / HDL RATIO CALCULATED 3.4 Ratio 1.5 - 3.5
VLDL CHOLESTEROL CALCULATED 48.4 mg/dl 5 - 40
NON-HDL CHOLESTEROL CALCULATED 155.9 mg/dl < 160
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL PHOTOMETRY 184 mg/dl 125 - 200
HDL CHOLESTEROL - DIRECT PHOTOMETRY 28 mg/dl 35-80
TRIGLYCERIDES PHOTOMETRY 242 mg/dl 25 - 200
LDL CHOLESTEROL - DIRECT PHOTOMETRY 95 mg/dl 85 - 130
TC/ HDL CHOLESTEROL RATIO CALCULATED 6.5 Ratio 3.0 - 5.0
LDL / HDL RATIO CALCULATED 3.4 Ratio 1.5 - 3.5
VLDL CHOLESTEROL CALCULATED 48.4 mg/dl 5 - 40
NON-HDL CHOLESTEROL CALCULATED 155.9 mg/dl < 160
Brief Answer:
please provide few more details.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mr XXXX
The values appear within normal limits except for HDL and VLDL. I will detail regarding them once you provide some more details.
If you are a smoker? Do you have any history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke? What is your usual blood pressure (in numbers)?
All these will help in calculating your risk in light of cholesterol values.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
please provide few more details.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Mr XXXX
The values appear within normal limits except for HDL and VLDL. I will detail regarding them once you provide some more details.
If you are a smoker? Do you have any history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke? What is your usual blood pressure (in numbers)?
All these will help in calculating your risk in light of cholesterol values.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Here are my answers -
1. I do not smoke. Not even occasionally.
2. I myself do not have any history of diabetes, high BP or any heart issues.
3. Last time I took my BP, it was normal ~110/70. But I don't have the exact numbers.
Also, I play badminton or do swimming or run (20 mins) at least 4-5 times a week. My daily routine includes a walking around in the office (meetings etc.).
My food habits are not that great. I am a fan of cheese and sweets. But i do not over eat or over fast. I am a regular eater.
1. I do not smoke. Not even occasionally.
2. I myself do not have any history of diabetes, high BP or any heart issues.
3. Last time I took my BP, it was normal ~110/70. But I don't have the exact numbers.
Also, I play badminton or do swimming or run (20 mins) at least 4-5 times a week. My daily routine includes a walking around in the office (meetings etc.).
My food habits are not that great. I am a fan of cheese and sweets. But i do not over eat or over fast. I am a regular eater.
Brief Answer:
No drug therapy is indicated.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir
1. Only 1 person out of 100 with profile similar to yours will have a heart attack in next 10 years. The major risk comes from LDL cholesterol followed by total cholesterol, both of which are normal currently.
2. The low HDL and high triglyceride needs some action. But as per latest guidelines and international consensus, no drug treatment is required for this. You only need life style modification.
3. These include optimal weight, cessation of alcohol intake, daily exercise, increased fish intake and avoiding too much reliance on cereals. You must avoid sweets and moderate your intake of cheese.
4. The goal of exercise should be at least 45 minutes of brisk walk for 6-7 days a week.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
No drug therapy is indicated.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir
1. Only 1 person out of 100 with profile similar to yours will have a heart attack in next 10 years. The major risk comes from LDL cholesterol followed by total cholesterol, both of which are normal currently.
2. The low HDL and high triglyceride needs some action. But as per latest guidelines and international consensus, no drug treatment is required for this. You only need life style modification.
3. These include optimal weight, cessation of alcohol intake, daily exercise, increased fish intake and avoiding too much reliance on cereals. You must avoid sweets and moderate your intake of cheese.
4. The goal of exercise should be at least 45 minutes of brisk walk for 6-7 days a week.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar