Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with cholesterol

Acing this test!

lundman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:47:30 -0800

Me = fat guy, annual health checks = "A" grade. What gives? Actual data inside, BP, LDL, HDL, Cholesterol etc, inside... So, without a doubt I am obese, about 135kg/200lbs. (BMI at 40 this year). I have always struggled with weight, and pretty much spent 23 years fighting it. There is a lot of kanji in here I can't read.

The data is as follows, sorry it is so hard to read, couldn't find how to make tables in meta.

_____2-years-ago_____1-year-ago_____this-year
BP: 108/70_____128/86_____118/80
Kanji: 84_____84_____81
HbA1c: 4.7_____4.6_____X

Cholstr: 119_____122_____133
Kanji: 54_____79_____60
HDL-C: 50_____45_____42
LDL-C: 91_____87_____X

UricAcid: 6.9_____6.7_____6.5

Kanji: x_____x_____6.7
GOT(AST): 25_____25_____26
GPT(ALT): 23_____24_____34
y-GTP: 13_____13_____15
AL-P: 209_____195_____213

LDH: X_____X_____204
T-Bil x_____x_____0.6

I'm a bit unsure what I am doing "wrong" I guess. My diet is not fantastic, but sure better then it has been before. (In terms of carbs anyway). I cycle to/from work, but maybe i need more exercise (don't we always).

I recently threw in the towel on trying to get smaller, clearly I am not going to win. I have decided to go the other way, if I am to be big, I want to be big, meaning muscle, so I have started that instead. I feel really good about that though.

The only "*" I got was on Cholesterol, I guess they feel it is getting high. (Although, their guide says 150-219). Perhaps it is 'too low'. How can a fat guy have too low cholesterol?

Although I am aware that these checks are more for the health insurance to know what to charge the company, than they are about my health. But it feel peculiar to get "A" grade, when you get droned about how bad it is to be fat.

Amusingly, I seem to fit the profile for AD-37, but I get the feeling that's more fringe-science..

And yes, you are not my doctor. :)

Will I ever eat cheese again?

mippy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:57:01 -0800

I've been told I need to lower my cholesterol. Any tips? How can I find out which foods are fine and which are Sometime Foods? I've been given some advice about cutting out or down on certain things, but is there a way I can find out whether things not on there are fine? Should I just be keeping an eye on saturated fat? I know that there are some foods that claim to actively reduce cholesterol (I have read the studies for one particular product, as I worked on the advertising) but as they are expensive, are they worth it? Also, I've been trying to eat more red meat to keep my iron up, so what's the score with that?

No fat, no sugar.. now grill it!

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:10:28 -0800

Grill Recipes for Father's Day - The catch? Dad's diabetic and a heart patient. So, this year it's my responsibility to plan Father's Day. I want to do a good old fashioned grill on the back lawn party... but my father has both diabetes and a heart condition. As I understand it, neither is a severe case, but he tends to eat strictly, and rarely has large amounts of sugar or fat... Help me with some recipes that are diabetic/heart patient friendly, grill-related, and still tasty. (Anon, because I can be tied to my father through online links, and don't care to broadcast his health conditions)

What's bad about low HDL and LDL cholesterol?

CrazyLemonade — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:59:53 -0800

I know that HDL (good cholesterol) is supposed to help lower LDL (bad cholesterol), but is it dangerous to have very low HDL levels, if your LDL is also low? My husband’s a little overweight (not a lot, but enough to make him snore at night), so he’s been going to a doctor to help him get the extra weight off. After some tests, he was told that his bad cholesterol is very low (yay!) but his good cholesterol is also very low (23 mg/dL, I think), when ideally it should be above 40.

Most of what I’ve read says that it’s good idea to increase your HDL, but mostly because it helps lower LDL, but I don’t understand if there’s a danger in having them both be very low. The doctor mostly said things like “exercise more, get more fiber”, and said that low HDL has been linked to heart attacks in otherwise apparently healthy people, but that’s about all the explanation that we got. Does anyone here have a similar experience or a better understanding of this situation?

By the way, I’ve already seen this thread.

What are your favorite at-home test kits which provide a basic lipid profile (Total, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides)?

adipocere — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:53:27 -0800

What are your favorite at-home test kits which provide basic lipid profiles (Total, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides)? Asking for a friend, who received a double whammy: the day after her doctor told her that she has rather high triglycerides, her father dropped dead of a heart attack. She's understandably rather interested in keeping an eye on things. Towards that end, she's looking for a home kit where she can draw her own blood (usually just a drop or two) and get semi-accurate results for something a little more than just a total cholesterol number. HDL, LDL, and triglycerides are needed, too.

At-home kits with test strips (which we will need refills for) are preferred over send-it-in kits, but either are alright. Obviously, these results will be calibrated against occasional visits to the doctor.

Of course, we are doing research on the various methods of controlling these things, and obviously there is a very large genetic component to these numbers (her vegan sister has cholesterol issues, as well), but the ability track the results of her efforts will provide some positive feedback, as well as a reassuring (whether real or not) feel of control over the process.

What's your favorite, and why? Have you had more accurate results with one brand over another?

Yeah, eponysterical once removed.

Short term Statin-use? Good Doctor near Claremont, CA?

lalochezia — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:12:54 -0800

Cholesterol / statin filter. 35yr old male. Direct LDL 192. Overall chol 275. My new doctor prescribed Lipitor 'for 3 months' to lower my cholesterol. i) Question about short term statin use. ii) Do know any good primary-care Doctors in the Claremont,CA area? I know you're not my doctor. I have higher than average LDL: it would probably be a good idea to lower it. However, as far as I understand it, Statins are prescribed for LD Cholesterol reduction chronically. i.e. Once you're on the drug, you need to be on it for good.

The jury's out on the health implications of prolonged statin use: I've no desire to take this drug for the remainder of my (long) life unless absolutely necessary.

I have no other history that would suggest the necessity of statin use : i.e. I have no evidence of high blood pressure, heart disease, or arterial blockage/narrowing ( I've had the occasional non-exercise-induced chest pain since I was 30 which repeated chest X-rays, bloodwork (to test for raised CRP), and EKG came back as normal). The doctor at the time (and my new doctor) suggested it's chest-wall pain or indigestion.

I raised these points about the chronic nature of statin use with my new doctor upon his prescription, but he dismissed them and could not cite any literature that suggested temporary use of these (reversible!) inhibitors would have benefit beyond the time of use. For this reason and others, I'm looking for a new doctor. In the meanwhile,

i) I'd like to know if there's any evidence that acute statin use for a few months lowers cholesterol permanently.

ii) If there is no evidence for this, suggestions for a non chronic regime (drug or otherwise) to lower my LDL in a safe as possible manner.

iii) Know any good primary care doctors in the Claremont , CA Area?

With healthcare insurance uncertain, should I get my cholesterol checked?

Anonymous — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:31:07 -0800

I just lost my job. My health insurance ends at the end of this month and then I will have the option to go on my spouse's insurance or COBRA. My question is: I have an appointment to get my cholesterol checked. Should I keep the appointment? My doctor on a recent checkup recommended that I get it checked to establish a baseline as I've never had it checked before. (I'm in my mid-30s if that's relevant.) My fear though is that, even though I am healthy and have no reason to believe that I have high cholesterol that it may affect insurance down the road. If I have high cholesterol perhaps my next insurer will see fit to deny my health needs for a pre-existing condition. Even if it comes up healthy, I can see it as having a negative effect. Just the fact that I got checked may enable a healthcare provider to discriminate. So, I'm tempted to cancel the test just to eliminate the possibility that it'll come back to haunt me. Keeping in mind that I'm a fit, healthy person, what do you think I should do?

French press coffee = more cholesterol = imminent death?!

delladlux — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:51:03 -0800

Is it true that coffee made in a french press has more cholesterol than that made in a drip (filtered) machine? Someone told me that the filters filter out the cafestrol, which is the ingredient that contributes to cholesterol increase. I'm hoping it's not true, because french press coffee > coffee made in a drip machine.

Help me solve my egg problem!

joannemerriam — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:21:26 -0800

Is there a way to cook liquid eggwhite so it's the same consistency as eggwhite cooked inside a hardboiled egg? Also, recipes for eggwhites? I really like hardboiled eggs, including the whites. I have high cholesterol, so eating the liquid eggwhite you get in a carton is much better for me (I usually mix in a single yolk for flavour). But, I can only figure out two easy ways to cook it: in the microwave (where it gets really airy and a bit rubbery), or in a frying pan with butter or oil (which defeats the whole purpose of eating it in the first place). Neither of these gives me the concentrated eggwhite texture of the white in a boiled egg. My experiments with baking it in a casserole dish have been unsatisfying - the texture's okay, but there's so little flavour.

Is there a technique I am missing, or does anybody have good recipes for eggwhite casserole type things?

Oops I ate 4 hours before blood test for cholesterol, etc, now what?

UMDirector — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:16:49 -0800

So just got typical lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol test but realized afterwards I ate 3.5 hours before blood was drawn...how much will be results be off? FYI I at two pieces of whole grain wheat toasts with probably 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter 3.5 hours before that test.

Help me increase my "good" cholesterol

exceptinsects — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:33:50 -0800

What has worked (in your personal experience) to raise your "good cholesterol" or HDL? I know what they tell you to do--more exercise, more fiber, good fats instead of bad, etc., but what's the most efficient (or alternatively, the least unpleasant) method that you have found that actually works?

I'm not much of an athlete, but I am a good cook. Most likely why my HDL is low in the first place. Sigh.

Should I worry about too-low cholesterol?

IndigoRain — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:43:01 -0800

Should I be concerned about too low cholesterol? My cholesterol tested last week at 118, and the results sheet I was given says normal is 125-200. I have been around Google, and some sites say that people have scores as low as 100 and do fine, while others seem to freak at a low score of 130.

I am obese and trying to eat healthier, but I'm not following any particular diet... just trying to make better choices and eat smaller portions. My fasting glucose and thyroid both tested normally. Wikipedia says hypocholesteremia can be a sign of hyperthyroidism (apparenlty not in my case) or liver problems.

Should I just be happy with my cholesterol, or should I worry?

Also, I'd like an answer to this previous unanswered AskMe if anyone knows - how much does cholesterol vary over the day or week?

statin static

brandz — Thu, 17 May 2007 18:49:26 -0800

I experience nagging muscle aches and pains in my legs and feet because of statins (lipitor, zocor, pravachol). I'm interested in hearing from others that may have experienced the same and how they dealt with the issue. I've stopped the meds completely. When I stopped taking lipitor it took at least 6 months for the symptoms to subside completely. Recently I started a low dose zocor and pains returned within 3 months. I've tried Advil and Co-Q to relieve the symptoms. Alas, the pains linger. I'd appreciate any similar experiences and how you coped.

Low carb, low cholesterol, low time. What to eat?

gnomeloaf — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0800

One person has high cholesterol. The other has type 2 diabetes. Both have no more than 30 minutes to cook and eat together. What do you recommend for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? I should add that one hates fish, and both like spiciness/heat.

Yes, I intend to continue looking through the vast landscape of cookbooks, recipe databases and health communities. But AskMe food threads rarely disappoint, and I'm hoping you all will have some inspiring ideas, even in the face of this juxtaposition.

1. Eat butter 2. Test cholesterol 3. ???

hindmost — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 13:21:53 -0800

I'm curious as to how much cholesterol numbers can change on a daily or weekly basis. Is it possible to raise your cholesterol by a measurable number if you ate, say, a stick of butter before your fast? Let's say Bob has a "natural" level of around 190, gets exercise 3 times a week, and has a reasonable diet. How long would he need to eat fried chicken day in and day out to raise his cholesterol to 200? There seems to be a lot more information regarding how fast cholesterol drops than how fast it can rise.

Diet Tracking Software for Pocket PC

Joleta — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:28 -0800

Need diet-tracking sofware for Pocket PC. I need to lower my cholesterol and lose weight. I'd like recommendations for diet-tracking software for my Dell Axim X50v Pocket PC. I need software that will let me set a calorie goal and target levels of various nutrients (for example, less than 200 mg cholesterol a day, more than 20 g fiber, etc.). The program should have a database with the nutritional components of lots of foods, and allow me to add my own foods.

I've tried Pocket Diet Tracker and it continually messed up my Axim. I could possibly use a Palm-only program under an emulator, but I'd rather not. I'd like to hear from anyone who regularly uses an easy-to-use diet tracker on a Pocket PC. Exercise tracking capability is a plus but not required.

How can I give up the fried food and still be me?

kuperman — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 11:08:37 -0800

I have chosen as one of my New Year's Resolutions to cut out fried food in an effort to reduce my fat and cholesterol intake. Yeah, that's great and all, but the question is, how do I supplant that need? I'm going to have some severe heroin-like withdrawal problems. I crave the texture and the flavor of fried foods. The way the crispy crust is swept around my mouth, scrapes across the roof and is pulverized in my molars. Licking the salt off of the inside of my cheeks.

I live in the capitol of Fried Food, USA. I love fried chicken (Popeye's AND Chicken Box AND Cane's). I love fried seafood. I love chicken fried steak, french fries, latkes, boudin balls, hush puppies, tempura, egg rolls, wings -- I would batter and deep fry pizza if I could (and serve with a scoop of garlic butter, mmmm). But, that is not exactly helping my health.

We've got issues with high cholesterol in my family. I need to not eat the fried foods. I need to fill that hole in my diet/psyche with something healthier that I will find satisfying but won't overindulge myself with ... if that makes any sense. I am open to any suggestions that may come up. Recipes, links, support groups, antidotes, anything.

Please, AskMe, help me put down the fried mozzarella sticks.

Setting cholesterol level

zouhair — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 11:59:46 -0800

Someone tells me if this is real! The enclosed three paragraphs, which I wrote last week for the Weston A Price Foundation website to add to the "Oiling of America" article tells how the 200 mg/dl cutoff for serum cholesterol was decided back in 1984.

Cholesterol

mecran01 — Tue, 13 Jul 2004 14:50:45 -0800

What's the truth about cholesterol? I'm afraid to take statins, and don't know who to believe anymore.

What diet should I choose if I have naturally low cholesterol?

MrMoonPie — Tue, 18 May 2004 08:13:22 -0800

We all know that folks with high cholesterol should avoid fatty foods. But what about those of us with freakishly low cholesterol? (more inside) My family has the low cholesterol gene. I’ve been tested twice; I’m about 15 pounds overweight, don’t exercise much, eat Atkins-diet levels of fatty foods, but my level has averaged 110. Last time my brother was checked, he was about 200 pounds overweight, and he tested at 153. We have a cousin who tested at 88. HDL/LDL balances are optimal, too.

I realize, of course, that fats have the greatest concentration of calories, so avoiding fats is a good way to lose weight. But should I bother especially avoiding saturated fats? Are butter and lard no worse than olive oil? And do I need to worry about trans fats?