Sign in

or Register now

CholesterolNetwork.com

See all of our health sites at www.HealthCentral.com
Tuesday, November, 10, 2009
  • Font size

Isn't low HDL supposed to mean high triglycerides?

xanga
09/23/08

I'm just a bit confused about my cholesterol test. 

 

Total: 187

Triglyceride: 88

HDL: 40

LDL: 129

 

I thought common causes of low HDL were smoking (which I don't) and being overweight which I'm also not (5'3' ,102lbs).  What other things could cause low-ish HDL in a younger female?  Can this still be high risk for heart attacks?

If it matters at all, I don't think anyone in my family had heart attacks.

Answer This
Answers (2)
Neil MD
Neil MD
Close
Neil MD is a physician in internal medicine.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Hello xanga,

 

Your cholesterol results are not bad at all, provided that you do not have heart disease or other risk factors for heart disease.

 

Diet, exercise, and genetics are the three important factors that determine your cholesterol profile.  Exercising 4 times a week for 40 minutes even if you are not overweight is an important way to improve your cholesterol levels.  Also, if you want to lower your LDL and raise your HDL, you could increase the amount of fiber in your diet by eating whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.  Consider trying to eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week.

 

Some people, regardless of the intensity of their diet or exercise regiments, have a genetically high cholesterol.  This is especially true if your family memebers have high cholesterol, too.

 

Be sure to continue to monitor your lipid profile with your physician and inform him of your lifestyle modifications!

 

To your health,

Neil MD

 

 

Doctor123
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Same as Neil said however.

 

Your LDL is high (ideal <100) and your HDL is low (ideal >50).

 

Make sure you include monounsaturated good fats like canola oil in your diet because they raise HDL and lower LDL which is exactly what you need.

 

Also read so books by dean ornish and jack lalanne for proper diet/exercise advice.

Answer This

Managing Your Triglycerides

Steps to manage these numbers while on a statin drug.

Download Guide
This video animation shows how cholesterol behaves in the blood stream. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

View all questions (1344) >

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

  • Font size
  • Bookmark
  • Save