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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Low Cholesterol
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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Low Cholesterol
by gillcrow, Jul 20, 2004 12:00AM
I can find all kinds of info about high cholesterol and very little about low cholesterol. What I can tell you about myself is this. I am 33 year old female who has, yes, smoked for the last 15 years, I am now considered overweight at 5'7" 180 and I have been treated for anxiety and depression for the last 10+years. About 7 years ago my total cholesterol was 120. The highest it has ever been was shortly after I had my last child and I was still nursing at the time and it was 180 then. Most recently I had blood work done(about 3 weeks ago)My total cholesterol again was 120, Triglycerides were 53, the LDL was 63 and I can't remember the HDL level but I know it was very good too. My TSH was High Normal she said at 3.48 and my estrogen and testosterone levels were Low Normal.
Info that I have found on the web has discussed low cholesterol levels linked to anxiety, depression, and hemorrhagic stroke and in some cases colon cancers. ( I also have IBS) Obviously I need to quit smoking and am happy to say that I am currently using nicotine replacement therapy to remedy that. I am an avid walker, 3-5 miles at LEAST 5x's per week. I have been doing that for about 6 weeks now and haven't lost a single pound. My cortisol level was check just in the morning and she said it was fine.
With my history, is it possible the low cholesterol is related to any of this. Who would I turn to for answers as my doctor done not have any concern with the cholesterol? Do you know of any studies being done on this?
I have recheck in 6 weeks for thyroid and will discuss med then?
Info that I have found on the web has discussed low cholesterol levels linked to anxiety, depression, and hemorrhagic stroke and in some cases colon cancers. ( I also have IBS) Obviously I need to quit smoking and am happy to say that I am currently using nicotine replacement therapy to remedy that. I am an avid walker, 3-5 miles at LEAST 5x's per week. I have been doing that for about 6 weeks now and haven't lost a single pound. My cortisol level was check just in the morning and she said it was fine.
With my history, is it possible the low cholesterol is related to any of this. Who would I turn to for answers as my doctor done not have any concern with the cholesterol? Do you know of any studies being done on this?
I have recheck in 6 weeks for thyroid and will discuss med then?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jul 20, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 20, 2004 12:00AM
gill,
thanks for the post.
We discuss cholesterol as a risk factor for coronary disease, and use it in that manner. We certainly know that a high LDL cholesterol is associated with poorer outcomes with respect to coronary disease and modification of this risk factor can improve cardiovascular outcomes.
As you mention, we do see lower cholesterol associated with a variety of conditions. Your HDL would calculate to 45 by the numbers you provide.
Truthfully, I wouldn't focus too much on your cholesterol. It's not in an overly low range..and given your history of smoking and obesity you have much more serious and modifiable health related issues to address which will impact your overall health.
good luck
thanks for the post.
We discuss cholesterol as a risk factor for coronary disease, and use it in that manner. We certainly know that a high LDL cholesterol is associated with poorer outcomes with respect to coronary disease and modification of this risk factor can improve cardiovascular outcomes.
As you mention, we do see lower cholesterol associated with a variety of conditions. Your HDL would calculate to 45 by the numbers you provide.
Truthfully, I wouldn't focus too much on your cholesterol. It's not in an overly low range..and given your history of smoking and obesity you have much more serious and modifiable health related issues to address which will impact your overall health.
good luck
Member Comments (2)
by Felicity, Jul 20, 2004 12:00AM
A test for TSH is not enough to indicate whether or not you have hypothyroidism. You need your physician to order a T3 and T4. I suspect that your TSH at 3.48 is too high since most people feel best with a TSH below 2.0. If your physician refuses a T3 and T4 find another physician - fast. You do not want to wait until you have irreversible health problems.
