Thin & Athletic--why Is My Cholesterol So High? What Can I Do?

Question

Originally asked by Community Member khaki

Thin & Athletic–why Is My Cholesterol So High? What Can I Do?

Here’s my most recent cholesterol readings: triglycerides: 195; HDL: 87; LDL: 112; total; 238 Here’s the background–My numbers have looked like this (including the good HDL) for 10 years, but have gradually increased. Heart disease runs in my family, my father, grandfather, and uncle all died of heart disease at ages 58 & 59. What really scares me about it all is that I can’t see any lifestyle changes to make. I am 38, weigh 106 bs, I’m 5 feet,3 inches tall . I jog 6 miles every day. I have never touched alcohol (alcoholism in the family has always kept me away). I do not eat hardly any fat–actually need to work on the “good” fat…but I do admit I am a carboholic eat little protein.

Also, I have thyroid disease–I’ve been on levoxyl (t4) and cytomel (t3) for 10 years. At this lab reading my tsh was high (3.27) so we’re adjusting my meds, but even when my TSH has been below 1, my lipids are still high. I also take metformin for PCOS and high-ish fasting glucose (109). Both of these would make you think I am overweight, but I am actually thin and have not ever struggled with my weight.

Answer

Hi Khaki,

I feel like I just saw this very question recently. Maybe you emailed me directly. Regardless, here are the recommendations of the American Heart Association:

Total cholesterol less than 200
HDL cholesterol at least > 40, ideally > 60
LDL cholesterol at least less than 130, ideally less than 100
Triglycerides less than 150

Here is a post I recommend you review regarding triglyceride levels:

Triglycerides: Why They Matter and How to Lower Them

All the best,

Lisa Nelson RD

How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps

You should know Answers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition.

Answered by: Lisa Nelson, RD, LN