Got some cholesterol readings, I don’t quite understand them.

[DWizza]

Hi all, I had a blood test this week for liver function and the results included a cholesterol read out. The GP surgery sent me a text to say all the readings were normal. Trouble is I’m 4 months or so post quadruple CABG following Nstemi heart attack in July, am I considered normal on the same scale ? I wondered if anyone could give some idea of what the results mean , I have no context , could I be doing better ? They only sent me the figures and no explanation. Grateful if anyone could give me an idea .

Serum cholesterol 2.4 mmol/L

Serum triglyceride 0.9

Calculated LDL 0.7

Serum HDL cholesterol 1.3

Se non HDL 1.1 (l

Serum cholesterol/HDL ratio 1.8 l

[Mopsey1897]

compared to mine as my serum cholesterol is 5.9 therefore high, and yours is way under 5 you should be ok but whether it’s too low I’m not sure, sorry

[Coffeelover2]

these are really good results. LDL is the bad cholesterol so should be as low as possible - certainly below 3.0 or even lower than that if you are at risk. HDL is the good cholesterol - should be above 1.0 but high levels aren’t thought to give an extra protection. Your total cholesterol should be less than 5.0. Fasting triglyceride Should be below 1.7.

[DWizza in reply to Coffeelover2]

Thanks for your reply, I have no context if these are good given my history as the gp surgery just fired the results back with no explanation. I have googled some of it and it just seems to go all over the place. BHF gives the basics but trying to tie it on to my results is a bit confusing . I initially thought they were pretty good numbers , probably started to over think it by then wondering if I should be doing better seeing as I had Nstemi and 4x CABG 🤦🏼

[Lowerfield_no_more]

The current NHS recommendations are below.

nhs.uk/conditions/high-chol...

If you have known heart disease the target is try to better them by a good margin.

As far as your results are concerned I would say you should have no concerns whatsoever and I only wish I had a lipid profile like yours!

[DWizza in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thank you , I initially thought they were pretty good numbers , probably started to over think it by then wondering if I should be doing better seeing as I had Nstemi and 4x CABG 🤦🏼

[pasigal]

Your cholesterol numbers look spot on for those of us at elevated risk. My LDL is between 35 and 45, depending on how strict I am with diet. But my HDL is stubbornly below 1, around 0.8...

[DWizza in reply to pasigal]

Thank you , I initially thought they were pretty good numbers , probably started to over think it by then wondering if I should be doing better seeing as I had Nstemi and 4x CABG 🤦🏼

[DWizza in reply to pasigal]

I have no context if these are good given my history as the gp surgery just fired the results back with no explanation. I have googled some of it and it just seems to go all over the place. BHF gives the basics but trying to tie it on to my results is a bit confusing . I initially thought they were pretty good numbers , probably started to over think it by then wondering if I should be doing better seeing as I had Nstemi and 4x CABG 🤦🏼

[Happyrosie]

other than what’s been said. When my results are in, the test results themselves show the upper and lower limits and there is an explanation you can click on. This would depend on the service your area uses I imagine.

[Qualipop]

Wow I wish my cholesterol results were like that.

[Partner20]

You should be given the results together with the lab ranges for your lab, so you can see where they sit. Any specific results targets will also be stated.Always get a printout of any result if you don't have online access to your results, as the numbers alone are not sufficient. Even without the ranges, though, as others have said, your results look perfectly acceptable.

[DWizza in reply to Partner20]

Thanks , the document with results was sent , the only range given was for overall cholesterol .

[Smitty1956]

Hi, DWizza,

Your total cholesterol level of 2.4 mmol/L, or 93 mg/dL, is considered to be optimal! You would be hard-pressed to have better numbers! Good job! 👍

The ideal numbers for HDL (good cholesterol) is >1.5, but >1.0 for men is still considered good. Your number is 1.3.

The LDL (bad cholesterol) should be less than 2.6 mmol/L. You are very much below that standard at 0.7.

As others have stated, I would love to have your results! Keep up the great work! ❤️

[DWizza in reply to Smitty1956]

Thanks Smitty, I was obviously over thinking it , worrying too much about how normal results fit in with what I’d consider out if the normal situation f quadruple CABG 🤦🏼🤣.. I have made a few simple nutrition changes , stuck to them , been diligent about rehab training , incorporating running goals and weightlifting goals ( under cardiac physiologist coach guidance) 3 times a week , plus a strenuous yoga class. once a week, then the physical work round my small holding and dog walking. Ran 5k for first time in years this week 🙌, hit that goal early , just 4.5 months post surgery.

So … I’m grateful for your reply regarding the cholesterol numbers , they came in a document from GP surgery with no context other than normal and no guideline figures .

I will rest easy now knowing I’m doing the right things as are my meds 👍👍👍

[Smitty1956]

Sounds like you are indeed doing all of the right things! Keep up the hard work and have a lovely holiday!