What Does High LDL And Low HDL Level Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 12 Nov 2014

Question: Hi doctor,

I get my lipid profile test done, i see high LDL and low HDL levels. Is it a good sign? How to work in to decrease LDL and increase HDL?

Regards
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Exercise

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Having high LDL and low HDL is not a good signs. It indicates sedentary life style, food habits rich in fat and there is an increased risk for cardio vascular events like heart attacks and stroke.

This is how you should go about

1. Tab Atorvastatin 10 mg at night can lower your LDL and increase your HDL. It is a safe drug with lot of beneficial effects
2. Reduce the intake of food substances rich in fat. Restrict fried food, fast food and avoid cheese, coconut and butter
3. Exercise is the best method to increase your HDL. Exercise everyday for at
least 30 min. I recommend cardio exercises like jogging, swimming and cycling. Do not take any supplements.
4. Avoid alcohol and smoking

Repeat your cholesterol again after 3 months.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (12 hours later)

Hi doctor,
Thank you for the suggestion. How long to use this medicine ?

Regards XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

I check lipid profile once in three months to see for improvement, once there is improvement I stop it for 3 months, if it worsens again then I keep it for life long.
There are more benefits of being on the drug than being off it. So I recommend that you take the drug after physician opinion

Regards

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

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