I am 55 and 6 months ago I had blood work; total cholesterol 236, HDL 68, LDL 148.4, Triglycerides 98. I have good BP and I weigh 95-98 pounds. I am an RN, a nursing home administrator and exercise instructor--I am on the move and do all out exercise 1.5 to 2 hours per day 6-7 days per week. From Spring through fall I add distance bicycling (40 to 80 miles at a session) and golf pulling the clubs, in addition to the exercise workout. I eat no dairy unless it is nonfat plain yogurt or egg substitute and I eat no meat except occasional chicken and at that much less than 3 ounces at a time. I have increased my fiber. I eat a lot of raw vegetables and beans, oatmeal, etc. At the time of the blood test I had been consuming things over a period of 6 months that I normally wouldn't in an attempt to gain weight--snacks or dessert that had more fat than I normally would eat, but not cholesterol. My message from my PCP was to go on a "very strict low fat diet" and repeat bloodwork in 3 months. I commenced to adding increased fiber and am watching everything that I eat but why didn't she look at the ratios, etc. Are my labs that bad? How long does it take to show up in the blood if you are eating incorrectly over time? I am naturally eating strict low fat, how can I not eat fat and maintain my weight? I use olive or canola oil sparingly unless I pop popcorn. At the time of the bloodwork I was also diagnosed with a slight tricuspid regurg secondary to increased stoke volume and cardiac output. Help! I really thought I was taking care of myself with diet and exercise! My mom had high cholesterol but she was obese and sedentary her entire life. HELP and when do you think I should get blood work again? I don't want her to put me on statins!! HELP, please!--I take no meds only omega 3--1 gram daily and vit c. Thanks