Dangerously low HDL, high LDL

I am 35, female, 5'10 and 183 pounds, non-smoker. I got a free health screening (finger ***** method) last week and was devastated by my results: TC: 247 HDL: 17 and LDL: 198. Only two years ago my results were: TC 217 HDL: 41 LDL: 152. What is going on? I admit I am not a healthy eater, lots of sweet and saturated fat, not enough exercise. Could this do it? I immediately put myself on a cholesterol lowering diet this week, as I am scared to death. I don't want to go on statins. What else can I do to raise HDL and lower LDL, like really fast? Thanks!

[rmagda27]

Just wanted to comment that I did not fast for this free health screening, so I don't know if that could have skewed the results. Also, is the finger method (taking from the capillary) as accurate as taking blood from the vein??

[erijon]

Don't get to worked up by this free screening, see your doctor and get a fasting lipid profile done, it will be more accurate. These free tests are not always reliable.

Good Luck,

Jon

[markmsn10]

I had one once "fingerprick" showed my total number around 280, LDL around 161.   I fasted too!   I went and had lab test run from my PCP and my total cholesterol was 186, LDL was 102.   And this was just a week after having the fingerprick done!  

I will never have one of these done again; not sure if anybody else finds them this far off.

[rmagda27]

Wow, so they can be really off. I tell you I have such anxiety over this. I have already made an appointment with my Dr. in 4 weeks. Meanwhile I am taking fish oil once a day,  eating oat bran every morning, have gone off sweets and flour completely, and am upping the exercise. It is still a wake up call for me, to get off my bad habits.

[vienna13]

"I admit I am not a healthy eater, lots of sweet and saturated fat, not enough exercise. Could this do it? "
  
YES.