Understanding the number

[Lou58_]

My GP is encouraging me to take a statin but despite asking he hasn’t explained my numbers. I am eager to try myself first. How bad are these please:
Serum cholesterol level 6.3 mol/L
Serum triglyceride levels 1.3 mmol/L
Serum HDL cholesterol level 2.0 mmol/L
Serum LDL cholesterol level 3.7 mmol/L
Serum cholesterol/HDL ratio 3.2
Serum non high density lipoprotein cholesterol
4.3 mmol/L

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I think your doctor is noting that your cholesterol is not in the borderline area but considered high already. While high cholesterol is just one risk factor for a coronary event or stroke, it is considered significant. 6.2 is high (not typically considered borderline). Your LDL is in the borderline level. Your HDL is in a desirable range. Your triglycerides are within normal range. So, all and all, it's not terrible except your serum cholesterol level is quite high. You can attempt to reduce naturally. And I'll provide a link to some tips and means. However do know that cholesterol can be genetic. So, if your doctor approves your lifestyle changes to combat the total cholesterol, you will need to put a cap on how long you try. And factor in if you have anything else that is a risk factor like hypertension. This link talks about cholesterol numbers (copy and paste). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/cholesterol-ratio/faq-20058006  The next link has ways to naturally reduce cholesterol. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935  And this is another. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-to-lower-your-cholesterol-without-drugs  

Let us know if there has been any follow up to your visit with your doctor.

[Sara_MHModerator]

I wanted to follow up and see how it is going? I admire you for wanting to take care of your health. Check back in with us to let us know how you are doing.