Cholesterol

[yesterday]

My doctors assistant told me my cholesterol was high 6.1/2 what is normal and what do my results meaNn.

[Ann]

I think the docs prefer the level to be under 5.0 but I read somewhere that a few years ago 6.5 - 7 was perfectly acceptable so I think they have moved the goalposts!

[Sqad]

I assume that your result was a fasting blood cholesterol, that is blood taken in the morning after having no food from the night before.

Cholesterol is a contentious subject in the medical world and I would suggest tat you take the advice of your GP as to your age,sex, family history are all important factors.

Your blood test is the total cholesterol made up of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL(Low Density Lipoprotein) and each have different values on which you should evaluate as a separate issue.

HDL....is the good stuff....prevents heart and stroke issues.
LDL...is the bad stuff.......too much is said to increase the above issues.

So you see, one can only make general comments on the information that you have given. however, in summing up......I would agree with Ann86

[coccinelle]

When you get a blood test done can't you ask for your HDL reading and your LDL reading? In our family we have highish LDL but our HDL is so good there's nothing to worry about.

[Sqad]

coccinelle

Yes, you can ask for the breakdown values.