cholesterol

I am a 53 year old female . Weight 110, height 5'4". Exercise daily, walk 5 miles No health problems , no heart disease in my family. Total cholesterol 255, LDL 126, HDL 116, triglycerides 67. Do I need to take cholesterol medication, or is my total chesterol high because my HDL is so high.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

cpont,

This is a great cholesterol panel.  You are correct, the total cholesterol is high because your good cholesterol so high.  Another way we decide on risk profile is the ratio of bad to good cholesterol or the LDL/HDL ratio.  An ratio that represents increased risk is greater than 4:1.  Your ratio is excellent at almost 1:1.  Keep up the exercise!

Thanks for posting.

[Dr. Erik]

Your ratio of Total cholesterol to HDL is 2.1 which is excellent. I don't think you need to be on medication because your high HDL makes up for your high Total Cholesterol. You are at low risk for Coronary Artery Disease according to your cholesterol numbers. I don't know if you have other risk factors for CAD. Good luck.


Erik

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

I just read my response and realized I didn't answer your question directly.  You do not need a cholesterol medication.  You panel is excellent.

Thanks for posting.

[Cpont]

Thanks Doc, I am very glad to know thatI don't need to be on medication. CP

[Dynomite]

I am a 68 year old female with MVP My cholestrol is 233 LDL 130 HDL 81.  My PCP and 2 of cardios say this is good and do not need meds.  One of my cardios and my neurologist( see him for migraines) told me to tAke Pravachol 10 mg because of the MVP. I really do not know is this is necessary.  I never took manys meds, as I am a great believer in Vitamins which have kept me fairly healthy till now