A Question on Lipids

[jerry1978]

For coronary artery health, as well as general heart health.....which nutritional approach (in my case) is superior?
On an Ornish-type diet, my LDL drops to the 80's, but my HDL drops to the 40's and my TRI's rise to the 200's.
On a low-carb approach, my HDL zooms up to 59, my TRI's drop to 140, but my LDL suffers by going to 125.
So, I guess my question is:  What is really better-A low LDL w/ fairly high TRI's, or a high HDH w/ good TRI's.
Thanks-Jerry

[Cleveland Clinic]

jerry,

thanks for the post.

None of the diets have been looked at in patients with coronary disease. I believe however, that the high protein and fat and low carb approach is not optimal for those with coronary disease. I think that the key is really balance of several diets with caloric restriction, avoidance of simple carbohydrates and incorporation of more complex carbohydrates such as fiber into the diet is the path most with coronary disease should follow.

good luck

[runningguy]

I had much the same problem as Jerry on the pure Ornish type diet.  My LDL would be around 80, but my HDL would drop into the high 40s or low 50s (it used to be in the high 60s on a regular diet). I added olive oil (about 10 grams per day) to the Ornish diet along with a 4 ounce glass of wine and my HDL went to 69 while the LDL stayed around 85. I was quite surprised at the change. My trigs are always low (in the 50 to 80 range) and they did not change on either diet.

[jerry1978]

anacyde:
Yes-I agree with you on everything in moderation.  And you are correct, there is no way I'm jumping on the Atkins diet-There is just way too much evidence to the contrary.
Granted, that type of diet can be made safe by consuming good fats and lean protein-but how boring will that become??

runninguy:
Thanks for the info. on the added olive oil and wine for raising the HDL.
I also just read an article on WEBMD that says if your LDL is nice and low, then there really is no reason for the HDL to be skyhigh.  In other words, think of LDL as garbage and HDL as the garbage trucks.  The less garbage(LDL), the less garbage trucks(HDL) needed.

I was very content on an Ornish type diet in the past, and I think I'll stay with it, and if the need arises, every once in awhile, I'll have a piece of meat or cheese.

[runningguy]

Thanks for the garbage truck/garbage analogy. It makes sense. I have experienced more weight loss than I expected on the Ornish diet. I run about 35 miles per week so I have a large calorie requirement. At 4 calories per gram, I can't hardly eat enough carbs to maintain my weight. The addition of some non-animal fat to my diet helps me to meet my energy requirements. I have several friends on the Atkins diet, and frankly, I am very concerned about their long term health. The Ornish diet seems much more healthy and sensible to me. It sounds like it is working for you very well.....you can't beat a low LDL. Good luck!

[Kiwi01]

Hasn't the Ornish program (diet, exercise, group support, stress reduction) been studied for its effect on CAD using random assignment? There were articles in American Journal of Cardiology 1998;82:72-76, JAMA 1998 280:23 and Lancet 1990 336:8708 describing the results.  It is also my understanding that participation in the Ornish program is covered by Medicare and many insurers for persons who meet the criteria.  Based on angiograms, the studies have shown that the Ornish program can actually reverse heart disease.  Adherence to the program is considered difficult by many physicians.

[Kimma]

im an 18yr old female (mother of a two yr old son)

5'3 and 105lbs
my hdl =41
my ldl =129
my tri=70
total= 185

i already have sinus tachycardia and 800+ pvc's a day.
my grandpa died at 39 from a heart attack.
oh yeah i also had a successfull ablation for avnrt and psvt.
do i have anything to worry about my numbers seem too high to me, does this mean i shouldnt eat eggs anymore? how about milk? should i switch to soy? what about steak? i know my numbers will only get higher as i age. WHAT CAN I DO NOW i dont wanna end up like my grandpa    :(
thanks kim