Just had a new blood test. TC 131 LDL 62 VLDL 46 HDL 23 Trig 228. My concern is the HDL to LDL ratio. At these levels, am I still at risk for clogged arteries? If so, what test can I request to check my arteries now to see if I have build up?
I currently take 40mg lipitor, 1000mg Niaspan, and 4 tablets/daily of Lovaza fish oil. I have been on these for over 6 months now.
Your HDL is really low and your Triglycerides are very high. Normal HDL levels are between 40 and 60. Normal Triglycerides are below 100. Your LDL is in a good range. The formula to determine cholesterol is HDL + LDL + (TRG/5). So your total cholesterol is 130.
HDL is the good cholesterol that flushes the bad cholesterol LDL out of your arteries. Triglycerides are the amount of fat in the blood. The count could be skewed if you drink a lot of alcohol.
You need to ask your doctor why your triglycerides are so high and whether your low HDL is a cause for concern. Also find out how your TC and VLDL play into your health. Are you well within your weight range, not overweight or underweight?
You can have an EKG and a stress test to check you heart functions. If there is concern, you can have an orthoscopic exploratory exam. This is a surgical procedure and won't be cheap.
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