Confused About Blood Work Numbers...

[cbreeden28 23]

We have on-site health screenings at work each year. They test our cholesterol, glucose, and triglyerides levels every year.

2 years ago (non-fasting):

Weight--317

TC--170

HDL--57

LDL--76

Ratio--3.0

Triglyc--183

Glucose--134

1 year ago (non-fasting):

1 week before surgery...

Weight--289

TC--145

HDL--26

LDL--94

Ratio--5.5

Triglyc--123

Glucose--120

3 days ago (non-fasting):

Weight--220

TC--132

HDL--30

LDL--70

Ratio--4.4

Triglyc--161

Glucose--??

Why is my HDL level staying so low with a healthy diet of good fats and exercising?? My total cholesterol has gone down, but the HDL went down LDL is staying around the same. Everyone says to lose weight in order to improve HDL levels. Well, I have lost 106 pounds since starting my journey, but I don't see much improvement in my blood work numbers.

I wonder if I should have it retested by my doctor's office.

[Kinley7390 80]

Hello!

You aren't a smoker, are you? Smoking and sedentary lifestyle can keep HDL down, as can not having enough Omega 3 fatty acids or simply, an unfortunate genetic predisposition. I would discuss this concern with your PCP.

Overall though, you have a great Total Cholesterol and your LDL is great too. Seems like you've come a long way, and congrats with the weight loss. I would definitely discuss the HDL with your physician.

Good luck, and please let us know if you get to the bottom of this!

Best wishes!

[Kinley7390 80]

P.S. FYI - regarding triglycerides, it is not uncommon for the level to rise during weight loss. When you lose weight, you are mobilizing energy stored as fat. That fat is mobilized as fatty acids and triglycerides into the bloodstream. I'd still discuss with your doc though.

[honk 780]

Welcome to my cholesterol world! I have genetically bad cholesterol. After my last physical the nurse practitioner said to me please try to up your exercise and control your eating to lower your cholesterol. Now she knew I had surgery and had lost 130 pounds, and that I do at least 1 hour of cardio 7 days a week. Not sure what else she thinks I can do.