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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Medication Recommended For This Cholesterol Level?

Hello, I saw my doctor today and my cholesterol level was total 247, with triglycerides 63, HDL 111, and LDL of 123. I was just wondering is this very bad and does the high HDL help. There is high cholesterol in my family. I am a 49 yr old female and do not currently take medication to lower my cholesterol. Should I be taking one? Thank you, Angela Salamone
posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017
Twitter Sun, 28 May 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 29 May 2017 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I have gone through your history and lab reports. The total cholesterol, HDL and LDL are high. High HDL does not give any added benefit. LDL is 123 which is near optimal range. The need to start patients on medications for high LDL depends on presence of heart disease or any peripheral artery disease, diabetes and risk factors which include cigarette smoking, family history of early heart disease, low HDL, hypertension and age greater than 55 in women. Since you have none of these risk factors and your LDL level is below 130, there is no need at present to be started on cholesterol medications. However you must undergo therapeutic lifestyle changes such as decreasing saturated fats in diet lowering cholesterol containing foods, increasing intake of soluble fibre foods, weight management and physical activity. With these lifestyle changes, check your cholesterol levels after three months.
At present you nee not be started on medications to lower your cholesterol.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
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Is Medication Recommended For This Cholesterol Level?

Hello Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your history and lab reports. The total cholesterol, HDL and LDL are high. High HDL does not give any added benefit. LDL is 123 which is near optimal range. The need to start patients on medications for high LDL depends on presence of heart disease or any peripheral artery disease, diabetes and risk factors which include cigarette smoking, family history of early heart disease, low HDL, hypertension and age greater than 55 in women. Since you have none of these risk factors and your LDL level is below 130, there is no need at present to be started on cholesterol medications. However you must undergo therapeutic lifestyle changes such as decreasing saturated fats in diet lowering cholesterol containing foods, increasing intake of soluble fibre foods, weight management and physical activity. With these lifestyle changes, check your cholesterol levels after three months. At present you nee not be started on medications to lower your cholesterol. Wishing you good health. Regards