Understanding blood cholesterol levels

[Bev]

I recently had a "complete" blood workup that showed my blood
cholesterol levels. I have an HDL of 83, an LDL of 145 and a
triglyceride level of 45. When I found out my results, the nurse
said that my triglyderide level was VERY low. Is this a problem?
What, if any, are problems associated with having triglyceride
levels that are very low? What foods might be high in triglycerides that might help me counter this low leasurement, if
indeed it is a problem? I guess, in short, is a low triglyceride
level a problem?    Thanks so much for your help.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

That triglyceride value would actually be considered within the normal range. Many people have elevated triglycerides, so your nurse may not be used to seeing such a normal value. Fatty foods raise the triglyceride level, but you do not need to try to raise your triglyceride level.

[JANET BARKLEY]

I JUST RECEIVED MY 17 YEAR OLD SON'S BLOOD WORK AND HIS TRIGLY IS 304 CHLOR 200 AND HDL 35
THE DR. TOLD ME TO HAVE HIM AVOID FAST FOOD..IS THERE SOMETHING MORE SPECIFIC I CAN DO?
I'M CONCERNED HIS FATHER HAD A HEART ATTACK AT 38 AND IS CURRENTLY ON MEDICATION

[patricia]

I am a very active 63 year old female college instructor.  My father, his father, my father's brother and sister all died in their 62nd or 63rd year of heart attacks.  My father's sister had two sons who died, one of a coronary at the age of 28 and the other of heart failure at the age of 34.  I have talked to my physician about my family history.  He doesn't seem too concerned because I have never smoked, I exercise regularly, and I eat healthy.  But I am still concerned.  Are there any specific exams I could request?  Thank you so much.

[Sandy Candioglos]

Bev -

I definitely wouldn't worry.  I recently had bloodwork done, and my numbers were:

HDL:57
LDL:102
Trig:43

On my sheet, it says you want the trigycerides to be below 251. I discussed all this with my Dr. (who was thrilled for me about my results), and he also assured me that while Triglycerides in the 40's are pretty low, that really is a good thing.

Interesting, considering that my diet is pretty high in fat.  At some point your genetic tendencies help, I guess!

-Sandy

[juan rico]

on my last blood test my total colesterol was only 80. my ldl was 25. is this to low?
on another subject i am diabetic . i take 5mg gliberide, and 2 doses of 500mg glucophage. my last test for blood sugar was 349 ,
is it possible the meds are reacting to one another? i also take
altace for blood pressure.

[Jo]

It has been 7 years since my husband had by-pass surgery (6).  He also had two balloon insertions a year afterwards.  He exercises and takes very good care of himself.  However, I worry constantly how long it will be before he starts to have trouble again.  We live in a small town with adequate open-heart surgeons.  He has an above average cardiologist who was trained at the Texas Heart Institute.  If he does have trouble again will the surgery be more dangerous?  

I have tried to research and The Cleveland Clinic always comes up as one of the top places for heart surgery (we only live 6 hrs. away).

[DENISE]

My Colesteral level

HDL 39
LDL 42
TRI 39

The doctor said this reading was fine. I believe my HDL is to low. I think my HDL are a little low. What do you think??
Thanks
Denise

[jerry berk]

My Cholesterol Results:
Total           121 all mg/dl
HDL              31
LDL             109
Triglycerides   154
Report noted HDL as Abnormal.  All others Normal.
How can I raise HDL?

[joyce pagel]

my colesteral is 276 should i do something for it