Low HDL with Low LDL, etc.

[stizwv]

Here are my 'stats' :

Triglycerides: 75
HDL: 29
LDL: 77
Chol: 121

I'm 40 years old, white, I don't smoke, drink a few beers a week, don't eat fast food, I weigh about 185 and I'm
75" tall ... I keep fit, try to eat well, and consider myself in great shape for my age.

So what's up with the super low HDL value?

I mean, would this go up (along with the others) if I started eating fast food daily? Putting me into
'normal' ranges in all categories???

Is this some genetic issue or do I simply not need a lot of HDL given my lifestyle/diet....

Thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,
I understand your concerns for a low HDL but simultaneously your LDL is also quite low which is definitely a very good sign. The proven way to increase your good cholesterol (HDL) is to do regular aerobic exercise. Even a fast walk by ensuring your heart achieves 80% of your (maximum heart rate (220-Age) = 180 in your case). So the 80% comes out to be around 140/min.
A rough method is to walk so fast that you’re not able to complete one sentence without taking a breath in between. You should walk at least 30 min per day for at least 5 days a week.
You should continue following other good dietary habits like avoiding fast food and avoiding high glycemic index foods like coke/pepsi, cakes, anything containing refined sugar. You should take lots of green vegetables and fruits.
I sincerely hope that helps. Please do keep me posted.
Kind regards.

[Bob_D]

From what I have read, a low HDL reading in the presence of a very low LDL reading is unclear, meaning that it is unclear that it is a bad thing. It is more important that your TC and LDL are low, which in your case, they are. I wouldn't worry a lot about it. I have the same problem, BTW.

The traditional advice for increasing HDL is to decreased saturated and increase monounsaturated fats, decrease refined carbohydrates and increase vigorous exercise.

Eating fast food would be contraindicated, I would think.