Low HDL & Low Triglycerides

[bookworm79]

Hello,

These are my recent lab levels and want to make sure I'm not at risk since heart disease runs in the family (though I can probably confidently say it runs in the family 99.9% because of poor diet habits etc.)  My gynecologist recently told me my HDL should be at least 50.

CHOLESTEROL.IN HDL 35  mg/dL  range  35-60  
CHOLESTEROL.IN LDL 81  mg/dL  range   0-100
TRIGLYCERIDE 25 Low      mg/dL   range 30-200

I'm 5'6" 130 pds, early 30's, female, never smoke, never drink, don't eat animal products since early this year - not that I ever ate much meat anyway.

Thanks!

[erijon]

Ask your doctor about taking Omega 3 fatty acids and niacin, both can help increase HDL.

Jon

[bookworm79]

Also, heart disease is VERY prevalent in my family but I believe it all can be contributed to diet, stress and lack of exercise.  

[bookworm79]

After researching, the only thing that seems to increase it is more activity...from my understanding, diet doesn't do it.  So I am trying to get a little more aerobic activity in my day.  My HDL was 30 a year or two ago and is now 35 so at least it went up some.

[erijon]

Yes, your HDL is low, but so is your LDL. What HDL does is bind itself to LDL, or bad cholesterol, so it can be taken to your liver to be eliminated or recycled. If you have a low LDL you can get by with a low HDL. Having said that, a normal or high HDL also is a protective factor for those with a family history of heart disease so a higher number would be desirable. They are many ways to increase HDL from supplements to exercise. Did your doctor make any suggestions?

Jon

[bookworm79]

Forgot: Total Cholesterol 125