High Cholesterol But LOW Triglycerides?

I got my blood test results today and found out I have extremely high LDL and total Cholesterol, but very low Triglyceride level.  Why would there be such a contrast in the two kinds of cholesterol? I thought if you are high in one kind of cholesterol, you are high in all kinds of cholesterol?  Anyone know?

Here are the numbers (This is Canada so I hope the conversion isn't too confusing)
                                                          Normal Range
TOTAL CHOL 5.22 mmol/L  HIGH         (3.20 - 4.60)
TRIG             0.58  mmol/L   LOW        (0.60- 1.70)
LDL CHOL     3.45 mmol/L    HIGH       (1.70-3.00)

[erijon]

That's a good question with a fairly simple answer. You body manufactures most (approx 80% - 90%) of the LDL in your system based on your body's needs. When people's LDL gets too high, it is generally due to the body's inability to remove LDL from the blood. In some cases it is because your HDL is too low. HDL binds with LDL and takes it back to the liver to be eliminated or recycled, if it does not get back to the liver, your body will continue to manufacture it. LDL is much less affected by what you eat, although it is at some level so cutting out fatty, high cholesterol foods will certainly help.

TGL's on the other had are a kind of fat that comes mostly from what you eat. If you have a diet high in empty carbs like sugars, pastas or breads and consume alcohol, your TGLs will become elevated. Also, processed foods will increase both LDL and TGLs so they should be kept to a minimum.

Hope this helps,

Jon

[erijon]

That's a good question with a fairly simple answer. You body manufactures most (approx 80% - 90%) of the LDL in your system based on your body's needs. When people's LDL gets too high, it is generally due to the body's inability to remove LDL from the blood. In some cases it is because your HDL is too low. HDL binds with LDL and takes it back to the liver to be eliminated or recycled, if it does not get back to the liver, your body will continue to manufacture it. LDL is much less affected by what you eat, although it is at some level so cutting out fatty, high cholesterol foods will certainly help.

TGL's on the other had are a kind of fat that comes mostly from what you eat. If you have a diet high in empty carbs like sugars, pastas or breads and consume alcohol, your TGLs will become elevated. Also, processed foods will increase both LDL and TGLs so they should be kept to a minimum.

Hope this helps,

Jon

[junebugzz]

Thanks, that clarifies things a lot. I eat a lot of fats in my diet...a lot of empty carbs, sugars and high fat stuff so it doesnt make sense that the TGL is low. Could it be a malabsorption issue that is causing the TGL to be low, or not really? Thanks

[erijon]

There are two main causes of unexpected low serum TGLs. One is malabsorption syndrome and the other is an over active thyroid, your doctor can check you for both rather easily.

Having said that, your TGLs are very close to normal and your reading would most likely qualify as a normal variant meaning it is within the percentage of acceptable error. I would not be concerned at all about your TGL level, it is just barely low. If it persists for a period of a few years or you become symptomatic of these other conditions, it may be time to see a specialist. What did your doctor say?

I would be more concerned with bringing my LDL down with diet and exercise (as approved by your doctor) and the possibility of including meds as your number is high enough that you may not be able to bring it down with lifestyle changes alone, you should discuss that with your doctor as well. Your risk of developing heart disease is much higher due to your high LDL than any issue you may develop due to your low TGLs.

Jon

[junebugzz]

Well the doctor didn't say anything about the high cholesterol or about the low TGL. He said 'Everything is normal". Maybe he said this because of my age (I'm 22)? I do exercise a lot but I don't really watch what I eat so maybe it's time to do that.

And the Thyroid and everything else was checked too and he said that that everything was within normal range too except my iron was a bit low.

Thanks Jon for helping!

[erijon]

Agreed, he probably was not concerned due to your age as your body can manage cholesterol better at a younger age when you're more active. I would try to avoid a statin at such an early age, most likely what your doctor feels as well. Wait and see how your levels look from year to year, the doctor will know when it's time to intervene. Bottom line, low TGLs just may be normal for you.

Good luck and thanks for asking.

Jon