The results of my recent chollesterol test were given as HDL 2.8 and LDL 1.4. The nurse said the doctor did not want to see me again but she could not tell me what these numbers meant. I have read that the government would like everyone to be below 5 but don't know if this is for HDL or LDL. My previous test result was only one figure, 3.5. From what I have read it is not always the number but the ratio that is important. I have heard that a ratio of 2.6 is great but mine is 0.5 unless I have calculated it incorrectly. Can you explain my results please?
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Q: HDL 2.8, LDL 1.4 What does this mean?
Answers (1)
9/ 9/09 2:38pm
Hi Confused,
In order to understand your results, I need to convert them from mmol/liter to mg/dl.
HDL 2.8 = 109.2 mg/dl
LDL 1.4 = 54.6 mg/dl
Okay, my first thought is that you have the two numbers reversed. Are you sure HDL was 2.8 and LDL 1.4?
Here are the recommendations of the American Heart Association:
Total cholesterol less than 200 (<5.1 mmol/liter)
HDL cholesterol at least > 40, ideally > 60 (>1.5 mmol/liter)
LDL cholesterol at least less than 130, ideally less than 100 (<3.3 mmol/liter)
Triglycerides less than 150 (<1.6 mmol/liter)
From the numbers you've given your HDL and LDL are both within optimal ranges.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
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