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Instead of just giving Americans a list of healthy food choices, the federal government takes a stab at showing us what not to eat. Get the facts here.
Cholesterol Check Challenge
Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:
How long has it been since you had your cholesterol checked?
We challenge you to get to your doctor by the end of December, get a blood test then come back here to report your results.
If it's higher than you hoped, hang out with us and discuss solutions for managing your cholesterol and bringing your numbers back into the normal range.
A blood test that measures your cholesterol also measures your triglycerides. High triglycerides (over 150 ) can raise your risk of heart disease. Check out this slideshow from WebMD's Heart Health Center for tips get your triglycerides into a healthy range: Beyond Cholesterol: 14 Ways to Lower Triglycerides
Olivia
We challenge you to get to your doctor by the end of December, get a blood test then come back here to report your results.
If it's higher than you hoped, hang out with us and discuss solutions for managing your cholesterol and bringing your numbers back into the normal range.
A blood test that measures your cholesterol also measures your triglycerides. High triglycerides (over 150 ) can raise your risk of heart disease. Check out this slideshow from WebMD's Heart Health Center for tips get your triglycerides into a healthy range: Beyond Cholesterol: 14 Ways to Lower Triglycerides
Olivia
39 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeHow long has it been since you had your cholesterol checked? <br /> <br />We challenge you to get to your doctor by the end of December, get a blood test then come back here to report your results. <br /> <br />If it's higher than you hoped, hang out with us and discuss solutions for managing your cholesterol and bringing your numbers back into the normal range. <br /><br />A blood test that measures your cholesterol also measures your triglycerides. High triglycerides (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/tc/high-triglycerides-overview">over 150</a> ) can raise your risk of heart disease. Check out this slideshow from WebMD's Heart Health Center for tips get your triglycerides into a healthy range: <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/ss/slideshow-triglycerides-tips">Beyond Cholesterol: 14 Ways to Lower Triglycerides </a> <br /><br /> Olivia
Debsbears responded:
My most recent one was done in July here is the Stats:
Blood Tests that are note worthy: After a 12 hr fast - Cholesterol 149, Trigs 88, HDL 71, LDL 60, Ratio 1.08, glucose 78, A1c even with my low sugars was 6.0. Deb
Blood Tests that are note worthy: After a 12 hr fast - Cholesterol 149, Trigs 88, HDL 71, LDL 60, Ratio 1.08, glucose 78, A1c even with my low sugars was 6.0. Deb
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeMy most recent one was done in July here is the Stats:<br /> <br />Blood Tests that are note worthy: After a 12 hr fast - Cholesterol 149, Trigs 88, HDL 71, LDL 60, Ratio 1.08, glucose 78, A1c even with my low sugars was 6.0. Deb
Jis4Judy responded:
Hi I had my cholesteral checked a few weeks ago
My numbers were total 179 LDL 99 HDL 70 triglycerides 50
those are the best number I have had but quite similar to last years
I think my exercise and health eating is keeping my numbers good.
Hugs Judy:)
My numbers were total 179 LDL 99 HDL 70 triglycerides 50
those are the best number I have had but quite similar to last years
I think my exercise and health eating is keeping my numbers good.
Hugs Judy:)
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeHi I had my cholesteral checked a few weeks ago<br /> My numbers were total 179 LDL 99 HDL 70 triglycerides 50<br /> those are the best number I have had but quite similar to last years <br /> I think my exercise and health eating is keeping my numbers good.<br /> Hugs Judy:)
Haylen_WebMD_Staff responded:
Results are from a fasting blood test for my annual physical 10 months ago:
Total Cholesterol: 213
HDL 66
Trig 40
Direct LDL 127
Ratio 3.2
Take the quiz below to test your heart health smarts and for info to help make sense of your cholesterol numbers, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides: Cholesterol Quiz: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
I answered 9 out of 13 correctly - anyone else want to share their score?
Haylen
Total Cholesterol: 213
HDL 66
Trig 40
Direct LDL 127
Ratio 3.2
Take the quiz below to test your heart health smarts and for info to help make sense of your cholesterol numbers, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides: Cholesterol Quiz: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
I answered 9 out of 13 correctly - anyone else want to share their score?
Haylen
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeResults are from a fasting blood test for my annual physical 10 months ago: <br /><br />Total Cholesterol: 213<br />HDL 66<br />Trig 40<br />Direct LDL 127<br />Ratio 3.2<br /><br />Take the quiz below to test your heart health smarts and for info to help make sense of your cholesterol numbers, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides: <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/rm-quiz-cholesterol-numbers">Cholesterol Quiz: What Do Your Numbers Mean?</a> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/rm-quiz-cholesterol-numbers"> </a> <br /><br />I answered 9 out of 13 correctly - anyone else want to share their score? <br /><br />Haylen
DeadManWalking57 responded:
Olivia:
From research articles on Pubmed, total cholesterol can be overvalued by an odd mix of LDL and HDL numbers.
HDL's is function is in reverse cholesterol transport, and the higher it is the better.
LDL is only dangerous if the diet is lacking in anti-oxidants, and the person gets insufficient appropriate exercise which helps lower LDL and triglycerides.
So I look at the LDL/HDL ratio. That ratio at time of my emergency bypass surgery was 4. My current numbers are HDL 48, LDL 67, Tri's 81 .
Total cholesterol is 131.
Total/LDL = 1.95
LDL/HDL = 1.35
And I get a lot of anti-oxidants in my diet.
In addition, my diet promotes paraoxonase and endothelial progenitor cells. The first helps REDUCE blockages, the second increase my bodies ability to maintain healthy arteries
and avoid development of new blockage sites should any damage to artery walls occur that might become new blockage sites.
I've read and been told by my doctor that there is no upper limit to healthy HDL, and also for good health, LDL should not be below 70.
So it would seem a new overall formula is necessary, or perhaps include the LDL/HDL ratio along with the Total Cholesterol / LDL ratio.
From research articles on Pubmed, total cholesterol can be overvalued by an odd mix of LDL and HDL numbers.
HDL's is function is in reverse cholesterol transport, and the higher it is the better.
LDL is only dangerous if the diet is lacking in anti-oxidants, and the person gets insufficient appropriate exercise which helps lower LDL and triglycerides.
So I look at the LDL/HDL ratio. That ratio at time of my emergency bypass surgery was 4. My current numbers are HDL 48, LDL 67, Tri's 81 .
Total cholesterol is 131.
Total/LDL = 1.95
LDL/HDL = 1.35
And I get a lot of anti-oxidants in my diet.
In addition, my diet promotes paraoxonase and endothelial progenitor cells. The first helps REDUCE blockages, the second increase my bodies ability to maintain healthy arteries
and avoid development of new blockage sites should any damage to artery walls occur that might become new blockage sites.
I've read and been told by my doctor that there is no upper limit to healthy HDL, and also for good health, LDL should not be below 70.
So it would seem a new overall formula is necessary, or perhaps include the LDL/HDL ratio along with the Total Cholesterol / LDL ratio.
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeOlivia:<br /><br />From research articles on Pubmed, total cholesterol can be overvalued by an odd mix of LDL and HDL numbers.<br /><br />HDL's is function is in reverse cholesterol transport, and the higher it is the better. <br /><br />LDL is only dangerous if the diet is lacking in anti-oxidants, and the person gets insufficient appropriate exercise which helps lower LDL and triglycerides.<br /><br />So I look at the LDL/HDL ratio. That ratio at time of my emergency bypass surgery was 4. My current numbers are HDL 48, LDL 67, Tri's 81 .<br /><br />Total cholesterol is 131.<br />Total/LDL = 1.95<br />LDL/HDL = 1.35<br /><br />And I get a lot of anti-oxidants in my diet.<br />In addition, my diet promotes paraoxonase and endothelial progenitor cells. The first helps REDUCE blockages, the second increase my bodies ability to maintain healthy arteries<br />and avoid development of new blockage sites should any damage to artery walls occur that might become new blockage sites.<br /><br />I've read and been told by my doctor that there is no upper limit to healthy HDL, and also for good health, LDL should not be below 70.<br /><br />So it would seem a new overall formula is necessary, or perhaps include the LDL/HDL ratio along with the Total Cholesterol / LDL ratio.
DeadManWalking57 replied to Jis4Judy's response:
Jis4Judy:
Your LDL/HDL ratio = 1.4, with very low triglycerides.
My total cholesterol at time of my bypass surgery was almost the same as yours, but my LDL/HDL ratio was 4.0, with HDL of only 37.
Your LDL could be lower, but HDL of 70 is very high, an excellent health indicator. The lowest my LDL/HDL ratio has been was 1.2, and it is currently 1.4
Your LDL/HDL ratio = 1.4, with very low triglycerides.
My total cholesterol at time of my bypass surgery was almost the same as yours, but my LDL/HDL ratio was 4.0, with HDL of only 37.
Your LDL could be lower, but HDL of 70 is very high, an excellent health indicator. The lowest my LDL/HDL ratio has been was 1.2, and it is currently 1.4
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeJis4Judy:<br /><br />Your LDL/HDL ratio = 1.4, with very low triglycerides.<br /><br />My total cholesterol at time of my bypass surgery was almost the same as yours, but my LDL/HDL ratio was 4.0, with HDL of only 37.<br /><br />Your LDL could be lower, but HDL of 70 is very high, an excellent health indicator. The lowest my LDL/HDL ratio has been was 1.2, and it is currently 1.4
Jis4Judy replied to Haylen_WebMD_Staff's response:
Hi Haylen I got 11 out of 13 on the quiz
Hugs Judy:)
Hugs Judy:)
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeHi Haylen I got 11 out of 13 on the quiz<br /> Hugs Judy:)
Jis4Judy replied to DeadManWalking57's response:
Thanks DMW fr the info I had my ratio in my report from doc but didn;t think it was that important LOL
Hugs Judy:)
Hugs Judy:)
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeThanks DMW fr the info I had my ratio in my report from doc but didn;t think it was that important LOL<br /> Hugs Judy:)
SweetSusieB responded:
OK so here we go. I had them done in August.
Total is 201
Triglyc 84
HDL 74
LDL 110
VLDL 16.80
Ratio 2.7
Total is 201
Triglyc 84
HDL 74
LDL 110
VLDL 16.80
Ratio 2.7
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeOK so here we go. I had them done in August. <br /> <br />Total is 201<br />Triglyc 84<br />HDL 74<br />LDL 110<br />VLDL 16.80<br />Ratio 2.7
USMCJohn responded:
Most recent blood work was done in Aug 2012 - late afternoon after eating a normal lunch.
Cholesterol related nos. were:
Cholesterol = 218
Triglycerides = 188
HDL = 36
LDL = 145
What now, coach - John
Cholesterol related nos. were:
Cholesterol = 218
Triglycerides = 188
HDL = 36
LDL = 145
What now, coach - John
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeMost recent blood work was done in Aug 2012 - late afternoon after eating a normal lunch.<br /><br />Cholesterol related nos. were:<br /><br />Cholesterol = 218<br />Triglycerides = 188<br />HDL = 36<br />LDL = 145<br /><br />What now, coach - John
The standard is to get the test after a 12 hr fast. But recent research has shown that you can get a reasonable test without fasting. But the Triglycerides and LDL can be off by up to 20%.
Even with that you HDL is low and the trig and LDL are at best marginal and maybe way too high.
For a male HDL should be above 40 and ideally above 60.
Triq should be under 150, but some doctors recommend below 100 or even lower.
And LDL, 100-130, but depending on risk factors under 100 and even under 70.
In general many of the life style changes that reduce trig will raise HDL and reduce LDL.
They include losing weight, if at all needed and increasing exercise levels. Specially aerobic.
Reduce carbs. Specially simple carbs (sugar, sweet drinks, and white flour).
Make sure that you get plenty of good fats including Omega 3's (fish), nuts, olives (and olive oil), avocados, and canola oil.
And limit the saturated fats.
Alcohol can help raise HDL, but it can also increase trig. If you do drink limit to one drink a day.
Even with that you HDL is low and the trig and LDL are at best marginal and maybe way too high.
For a male HDL should be above 40 and ideally above 60.
Triq should be under 150, but some doctors recommend below 100 or even lower.
And LDL, 100-130, but depending on risk factors under 100 and even under 70.
In general many of the life style changes that reduce trig will raise HDL and reduce LDL.
They include losing weight, if at all needed and increasing exercise levels. Specially aerobic.
Reduce carbs. Specially simple carbs (sugar, sweet drinks, and white flour).
Make sure that you get plenty of good fats including Omega 3's (fish), nuts, olives (and olive oil), avocados, and canola oil.
And limit the saturated fats.
Alcohol can help raise HDL, but it can also increase trig. If you do drink limit to one drink a day.
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeThe standard is to get the test after a 12 hr fast. But recent research has shown that you can get a reasonable test without fasting. But the Triglycerides and LDL can be off by up to 20%.<br /><br />Even with that you HDL is low and the trig and LDL are at best marginal and maybe way too high.<br /><br />For a male HDL should be above 40 and ideally above 60. <br /><br />Triq should be under 150, but some doctors recommend below 100 or even lower.<br /><br />And LDL, 100-130, but depending on risk factors under 100 and even under 70.<br /><br />In general many of the life style changes that reduce trig will raise HDL and reduce LDL.<br /><br />They include losing weight, if at all needed and increasing exercise levels. Specially aerobic. <br /><br />Reduce carbs. <b>Specially simple carbs (sugar, sweet drinks, and white flour).<br /><br /></b>Make sure that you get plenty of good fats including Omega 3's (fish), nuts, olives (and olive oil), avocados, and canola oil.<br /><br />And limit the saturated fats.<br /><br />Alcohol can help raise HDL, but it can also increase trig. If you do drink limit to one drink a day.
BillH99 responded:
My latest panel was;
TC 131
LDL 64
HDL 59
Trig
Non-HDL 72
TC/HDL 2.2
TC 131
LDL 64
HDL 59
Trig
Non-HDL 72
TC/HDL 2.2
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeMy latest panel was;<br /><br />TC 131<br />LDL 64<br />HDL 59<br />Trig <br />Non-HDL 72<br /><br />TC/HDL 2.2
Haylen_WebMD_Staff replied to BillH99's response:
You're right Bill! A large new study shows that cholesterol levels aren't radically different in people who ate compared to those who fasted before their blood was drawn.
Read more here:
Fasting May Not Be Needed Before Cholesterol Test
Fasting is a problem for me as I get very weak and shaky first thing in the morning without some protein. I havespeed to the lab to get the first blood draw (around 7 am) and have some almonds or another snack ready to go!
Haylen
Read more here:
Fasting May Not Be Needed Before Cholesterol Test
Fasting is a problem for me as I get very weak and shaky first thing in the morning without some protein. I havespeed to the lab to get the first blood draw (around 7 am) and have some almonds or another snack ready to go!
Haylen
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeYou're right Bill! A large new study shows that cholesterol levels aren't radically different in people who ate compared to those who fasted before their blood was drawn. <br /><br />Read more here: <br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20121108/fasting-may-not-be-needed-before-cholesterol-test">Fasting May Not Be Needed Before Cholesterol Test</a> <br /><br />Fasting is a problem for me as I get very weak and shaky first thing in the morning without some protein. I havespeed to the lab to get the first blood draw (around 7 am) and have some almonds or another snack ready to go! <br /><br />Haylen
An_249175 responded:
Olivia,
Just got my blood test results - as follows
Total Cholesterol - 167
HDL - 70
TC/HDL ratio - 2.4
LDL - 84
LDL/HDL - 1.2
Triglycerides - 63
Age - 70
Recent BP check - 120/74
Was in AFib for 5 years, but lifestyle and diet changes made it go away - my last 3 EKGs were perfectly normal.
I weighed a 310 # three years ago. Down to 250 right now - have been at around this weight for 6-8 months now - with a long-term goal of 180-190. Do you think that goal is realistic?
Just got my blood test results - as follows
Total Cholesterol - 167
HDL - 70
TC/HDL ratio - 2.4
LDL - 84
LDL/HDL - 1.2
Triglycerides - 63
Age - 70
Recent BP check - 120/74
Was in AFib for 5 years, but lifestyle and diet changes made it go away - my last 3 EKGs were perfectly normal.
I weighed a 310 # three years ago. Down to 250 right now - have been at around this weight for 6-8 months now - with a long-term goal of 180-190. Do you think that goal is realistic?
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeOlivia,<br /><br />Just got my blood test results - as follows<br /><br />Total Cholesterol - 167<br />HDL - 70<br />TC/HDL ratio - 2.4<br />LDL - 84<br />LDL/HDL - 1.2<br />Triglycerides - 63<br />Age - 70<br /><br />Recent BP check - 120/74<br /><br />Was in AFib for 5 years, but lifestyle and diet changes made it go away - my last 3 EKGs were perfectly normal.<br /><br />I weighed a 310 # three years ago. Down to 250 right now - have been at around this weight for 6-8 months now - with a long-term goal of 180-190. Do you think that goal is realistic?
Olivia_WebMD_Staff replied to An_249175's response:
An_249175, I think that you're made some GREAT progress losing weight so far. Congrats!
Have you talked to your doctor about what he or she feels is a healthy weight for you?
I'd recommend posting to Dr. Pam Peeke on our Diet community and giving her as many details as you can, like your gender, age, height and overal health stats and see what she has to say about setting goals. She's really awesome!
Once you've got some pointers from Pam, our fitness expert, Rich Weil, can probably help as well by giving you some ideas to step up your workout .
Good luck reaching your new goals!
Olivia
Have you talked to your doctor about what he or she feels is a healthy weight for you?
I'd recommend posting to Dr. Pam Peeke on our Diet community and giving her as many details as you can, like your gender, age, height and overal health stats and see what she has to say about setting goals. She's really awesome!
Once you've got some pointers from Pam, our fitness expert, Rich Weil, can probably help as well by giving you some ideas to step up your workout .
Good luck reaching your new goals!
Olivia
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol Check ChallengeAn_249175, I think that you're made some GREAT progress losing weight so far. Congrats! <br /> <br />Have you talked to your doctor about what he or she feels is a healthy weight for you? <br /> <br />I'd recommend posting to <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/diet-exchange">Dr. Pam Peeke on our Diet community</a> and giving her as many details as you can, like your gender, age, height and overal health stats and see what she has to say about setting goals. She's really awesome!<br /> <br />Once you've got some pointers from Pam, our fitness expert, Rich Weil, can probably help as well by giving you some ideas to <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/fitness-and-exercise-exchange">step up your workout</a> . <br /> <br />Good luck reaching your new goals!<br /> <br />Olivia
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