Elevated Cholesterol Levels

[Pianoman]

With no prior anomalies in blood levels, a recent routine physical revealed borderline cholesterol levels for cholesterol, HDL, and LDL.  Triglycerides are normal.  I am 50, 6'6" and weigh 239.  My weight is up 15 pounds in the past 8 months.  My questions:

1.  Would the weight gain, even though relatively small given my size, be enough to account for the elevations?  There is no family history of heart disease.

2.  Can an increase in alcohol raise these levels?  The week before my blood was drawn, I drank more than typical for me while on vacation.

3.  Is it reasonable to believe that weight loss, change of diet and exercise would bring these back to normal?

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) It is possible that weight gain can increase the cholesterol levels.  Loss of body fat can reverse the hypercholesterolemia.

2) I am not aware of alcohol raising the cholesterol levels.

3) Yes, the first steps for treatment would be lifestyle changes - including diet, weight loss and exericse.  If the cholesterol remains elevated despite this, then medication can be considered.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[ontherecord]

Alcohol can and does raise levels of HDL cholesterol, the good kind, and does not increase LDL, the bad kind.