May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Cholesterol Management LDL (bad) Cholesterol levels
LDL (bad) Cholesterol levels |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: In a fasting blood test, my hdl is 74, my ldl is 143, and my triglycerides are fine. My cholesterol ratio is 3.4. Before physicians have called this a wash because the ldl's were so high. New physician has prescribed lipitor, saying my cholesterol is too high. I am confused. Can you please advise me as to what is correct? Thank You. Norma Barker Dear Norma: According to the American Heart Association the desirable Total cholesterol level is <200 mg/dL. With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease. The lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, it's a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol and the optimal LDL cholesterol level is <100mg/d. Your LDL level is 143mg/dL which is Borderline High. If you have previously undertaken a 3 month trial of lifestyle and dietary modifications, with no change in your LDL cholesterol levels, then cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) may be indicated. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 24 September 2010 ) |
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