Cholesterol Results Confusion

[Bree4444]

Hi, I don't have insurance (never get sick) but just found out I could go online and order tests myself... figured it was time for a baseline.  So, my question is... my total cholesterol came back at 234 and LabCorp flagged it as 'high'.  I am researching results online but getting conflicting info...

The results break down like this:
Triglycerides = 40
HDL              = 107
VLDL             = 8
LDL               = 119  (also flagged as 'High' by LabCorp - range being 0-99)

Total        = 234  (they say range should be 100-199)

About me... I'm 40 but look 30 with no health issues, 5' 9" and 128 lbs, work out 6 days a week - intense cardio/lift/spin classes.  I'm vegetarian but eat (all) fish and and the occasional turkey sandwich.  I take supplements (including flax & fish oils) and live mostly on nutrient rich and organic foods like avocados & veggies, sprouted grains, tofu hot dogs and whatever else is healthy and interesting at WholeFoods.  I also do shots of unsweetened blueberry, acai, goji and mangosteen juices every couple days.  I don't typically eat eggs, butter, mayo, anything hydrogenated, unbleached, animal products, high fat foods, etc.  Oh, and no family history of heart disease.

You get the idea.... except for the rare basket of fries or piece of birthday cake I'm into longevity and self preservation.  So, why am I flagged for high cholesterol?

Thanks in advance for your response!

[joanincarolina]

Sorry this is a late comment on your original post. You are 20 years my junior but your lifestyle sounds very much like mine except I can no longer exercise. I wanted to comment on your lipid profile and state that I would keep an eye on the LDL.I too could not explain my elevated bordeline LDL except be concerned with a mother, brother and his son that had high LDL, total cholesterol and not good HDL despite many efforts made to change this.My brother died of an MI, mother died of CAD so I have done everything to avoid CAD. My nephew (38) is benefitting from an advanced lipid test that I had done 2 years ago.It identifed that although my LDL wasn't too bad those circulating LDL had a little corkscrew protein attached to them that did not respond to statins, prescription fish oil, aspirin, diet etc. My lab value for that test was off the charts at 98, high normal is 30. This is a genetic thing. No amount of diet or exercise can change it and it puts you at risk for heart attack and stroke as LP(a) as it is referred to, can cause the blood to clot to easily. My cardiologist started me on prescription Niacin with fabulous success! My HDL is 85 and LDL 36! Total 136.So keep an eye on that LDL as it may be affected by the corkscrew protein,  

[Bree4444]

Fyi, since the site is a little confusing with all the packages and al la carte tests, I personally ordered the Comprehensive Wellness Profile Level 1 for $89.

[Bree4444]

Thanks for your comments... the only drawback to ordering these tests are the explanations which is why I joined this site.  I appreciate the feedback.

I was actually frustrated with the markup on the testing (since all I needed to do was give blood - and no one would do it without a $125.00+ office visit) and since I pay cash, googled my options.  I found PreventiveLabs and purchased the tests that I wanted (mine were CBC, Metabolic, Lipids, Thyroid and UA - 3 full pages of results).... found it in a package that was perfect for me for less than $100.

After you purchase, they email a Requisition Form to take to the actual laboratory (by now you have chosen the Lab closest to you - huge hint... make an appointment - can do it online).  You fast for 12 hours, go in, they draw blood, urine, etc....no questionnaires... nothing... easy!

A couple days later they email the results (though, I had to email asking for them).  

[ed34]

According to the labcorp website it looks as though they collect the sample. Great if you can stick a needle in your own arm having found a nice vein. I hope they send CLEAN needles.

[RadioAstronomyObserver]

I could use some of those extra HDL's you have!

  Could you clue us in on how you got tested online?  I'm assuming you sent a blood sample to a lab?  or did you just fill in a questionnaire?

[ed34]

I have said this before, but I believe it isn't so much about the amount of lipids as opposed to the balance. If you have quite low total cholesterol but most are LDL, then this is not good. If you have a high cholesterol count but most is HDL or a very high proportion of it, then how can there be a problem. You virtually have 1 HDL lipid for each LDL so I think that's a fantastic balance. Most people have 2-3 LDL per HDL. Your arteries have lots of brooms floating around, cleaning up the LDL.

[erijon]

Some labs consider LDL as high over 100, but the standard recommendation is less than 130. Your HDL is very high, which is high, even for good cholesterol. That's what's driving your numbers over 200. Overall, I wouldn't be too worried with your numbers.

Jon