Author Topic: Cholesterol  (Read 6397 times)

Offline imayid2

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #20 on: October 08, 2024, 10:35:43 PM »
HDL?
And was the LDL calculated or direct? (Most probably calculated)
39
I don’t know which one. Whichever labcorp does for routine work I guess.

Offline aygart

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #21 on: October 08, 2024, 10:44:23 PM »
A little more than a week ago, I think last Friday in the afternoon. Why?

I am wondering if it is a fluke. It can occasionally happen that something skews a measurement for a short term and FWIU Drs look more at trends than one individual read.
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Offline imayid2

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #22 on: October 08, 2024, 11:02:15 PM »
I am wondering if it is a fluke. It can occasionally happen that something skews a measurement for a short term and FWIU Drs look more at trends than one individual read.
Ok, possible I guess.

Offline Alexsei

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #23 on: October 08, 2024, 11:29:33 PM »
What's your Total / HDL and Triglycerides/HDL ratios?

4.92 & 3.05 which isn't bad. Target is 2-3, below 5 is normal
If you're concerned you can ask the doctor for a direct LDL test
Your calculated LDL is  129 which is at the very edge of normal range

But like @aygart said, do another test in 6 months and see the trend. You're not in any imminent danger
Also ask your first degree relatives for their workups.

Many believe that a Low carb/high fat diet (keto etc.) will lower triglycerides, the total cholesterol will be lower, and the ratios will improve, that is all in the absence of FH.
« Last Edit: October 09, 2024, 12:25:50 AM by Alexsei »
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Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #24 on: October 09, 2024, 12:05:14 AM »
I am wondering if it is a fluke. It can occasionally happen that something skews a measurement for a short term and FWIU Drs look more at trends than one individual read.

This.

One can take three tests on the same day and the numbers will be different.

In order to identify a trend, outside effects should be normalized. Fasting test, same time of day (and similar activity level).

Carbs are the food to avoid (especially refined carbs). Healthy oils and fat in your diet (Keto anyone) won't kill you, and might actually do good. Fish oil is know to help (in not sure how easy to get a kosher version).
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Offline ckmk47

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #25 on: October 09, 2024, 12:12:19 AM »
An elevated cholesterol with a low A1c is not a risk factor.


 
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Offline Alexsei

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #26 on: October 09, 2024, 12:15:20 AM »
An elevated cholesterol with a low A1c is not a risk factor.
Tell that to 90% of Doctors who would disagree... Brown and Goldstein's theories are mainstream.

On a high level it does RO metabolic syndrome but OP hasn't provided his a1c, he just said it decreased, and probably marginally.

As a matter of fact, my endo didn't even look at or request an a1c reading .
« Last Edit: October 09, 2024, 12:24:20 AM by Alexsei »
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Offline yuneeq

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #27 on: October 09, 2024, 01:01:03 AM »
So refreshing to read messages like this.

I forget how balanced DDF is compared to the rest of the frum world.

Had a problem, tried natural methods, didn't work, understood the medicine at play and causes of the problem, took medicine.

Meanwhile, half the frum world probably thinks you are a nut and will be killed by doctors.

It’s also very helpful to have a doctor that pushes first for lifestyle changes instead of trying to push for another daily pill. I don’t care how low risk a pill is, if I can solve it with better lifestyle (and the issue is not urgent, of course) then I want to try that option first.
Visibly Jewish

Offline imayid2

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #28 on: October 09, 2024, 08:49:57 AM »
If you're concerned you can ask the doctor for a direct LDL test
Your calculated LDL is  129 which is at the very edge of normal range
The results are telling me it’s 139. That’s the number I’m unhappy about.

Offline imayid2

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #29 on: October 09, 2024, 08:51:34 AM »
On a high level it does RO metabolic syndrome but OP hasn't provided his a1c, he just said it decreased, and probably marginally.
6 years ago - 102 mg/dl
Current- 87 mg/dl

Offline Alexsei

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #30 on: October 09, 2024, 08:59:42 AM »
The results are telling me it’s 139. That’s the number I’m unhappy about.
Does it say if it's calculated or direct?
The most popular calculation is the Friedwald equation
Total - HDL - (TG/5) = LDL
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Offline Alexsei

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #31 on: October 09, 2024, 09:02:24 AM »
6 years ago - 102 mg/dl
Current- 87 mg/dl
That sounds like blood glucose values, they don't provide a a1c (average) percentage?

Usual formula is

(Blood sugar+ 46.7) / 28.7 = a1c percentage

6 years ago 5.18
Now 4.65

But these aren't averages, so they're useless because they fluctuate so much during the day
« Last Edit: October 09, 2024, 09:08:54 AM by Alexsei »
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Offline imayid2

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #32 on: October 09, 2024, 09:19:45 AM »
That sounds like blood glucose values, they don't provide a a1c (average) percentage?
Usual formula is

(Blood sugar+ 46.7) / 28.7 = a1c percentage

6 years ago 5.18
Now 4.65

But these aren't averages, so they're useless because they fluctuate so much during the day
Got it.
This jargon is new to me but I’m learning  :)

Offline imayid2

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #33 on: October 09, 2024, 09:21:18 AM »
Does it say if it's calculated or direct?
The most popular calculation is the Friedwald equation
Total - HDL - (TG/5) = LDL
It does not say

Offline ckmk47

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #34 on: October 09, 2024, 09:47:33 AM »
An A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of hemoglobin proteins in your blood are coated with sugar (glycated). Hemoglobin proteins in red blood cells transport oxygen.

A1C results
The following ranges are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:
Normal: below 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or above

When people talk about their A1c, they  usually leave off the %.
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Online moko

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #35 on: October 09, 2024, 10:27:15 AM »
Once we're talking about this, here's my story....
A year ago I weighed in at 350. The week after sukkos I had , what I debilitating foot pain . A visit to the doctor showed 387 mg/dl , a1c 14 and sky high cholesterol...
Let's just say that was my wake up moment...
Today I'm off sugar and low carb,  at 227, 97mg/dl, a1c 5 normal cholesterol and jog 5 mi nightly.

Jogging/walking even 2 mi is a sure way to drop your sugar levels instantly.
Cardio will raise it slightly but not significantly.
I did go on 5mg monjouro until march but then it was unavailable and I haven't used it since.
Initially I ate 1100 calories daily, almost all low cholesterol protein and non starchy vegetables with minimal low sugar fruit mixed in. I've since added back some red meat but virtually no sugar.
I went from drinking sugary drinks and eating snack food in the road to drinking exclusively water and minimal snacking on vegetables.
Diet and exercise make all the difference.
I was at a point where I never thought it would happen but it did. I dropped from a 56 suit to a 46
I hope it can inspire others in need to make the change.
It's life changing

Offline Alexsei

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #36 on: October 09, 2024, 10:39:40 AM »
Once we're talking about this, here's my story....
A year ago I weighed in at 350. The week after sukkos I had , what I debilitating foot pain . A visit to the doctor showed 387 mg/dl , a1c 14 and sky high cholesterol...
Let's just say that was my wake up moment...
Today I'm off sugar and low carb,  at 227, 97mg/dl, a1c 5 normal cholesterol and jog 5 mi nightly.

Jogging/walking even 2 mi is a sure way to drop your sugar levels instantly.
Cardio will raise it slightly but not significantly.
I did go on 5mg monjouro until march but then it was unavailable and I haven't used it since.
Initially I ate 1100 calories daily, almost all low cholesterol protein and non starchy vegetables with minimal low sugar fruit mixed in. I've since added back some red meat but virtually no sugar.
I went from drinking sugary drinks and eating snack food in the road to drinking exclusively water and minimal snacking on vegetables.
Diet and exercise make all the difference.
I was at a point where I never thought it would happen but it did. I dropped from a 56 suit to a 46
I hope it can inspire others in need to make the change.
It's life changing
Impressive!
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Offline shmooz

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Offline ExGingi

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #38 on: October 09, 2024, 12:19:38 PM »
Impressive!

The big challenge is when one never reaches those bad levels, but starting point is 225lbs and optimal would be in the 180s.  No pre diabetes. Don't drink anything with sugar, don't snack much. Overall lipid panel is decent, but the good cholesterol is low. Getting exercise seems like the biggest challenge.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Offline sddd

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Re: Cholesterol
« Reply #39 on: October 09, 2024, 12:33:23 PM »
Got my routine bloodwork back and was dismayed to see a +40 spike in my “bad cholesterol” numbers (last checked about 6 years ago) and my good cholesterol numbers being on the low side.

Doc isn’t concerned and says my numbers are normal. But I do want to stay ahead of the game.

Not looking to upend my life over this, but if anyone has some simple tips to improve cholesterol numbers please share.

2 very quick ways:

1) Oatmeal, oatmeal, and more oatmeal.
2) Lose 5/10 pounds and add exercise.

Keep this up for even one month, retest and I'd be surprised if you didnt see improvement.

Speaking from experience.