Cholesterol blood test - question

[ocean12]

I just received my blood work back and I'm not too sure if I will need to be put on medication. I am a 42 year old healthy woman  with moderate mitral regurgitation.  I'm wiaiting for a call back from my doctor so he can interpret the numbers.  My cardiologist wasn't sure ilf he will do a "plaque assessment" on me since I'm so young.  What does that entail?  Or is he just jumping the gun?
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL:  247
LDL:  142
HDL:  94
TRI:  58
Ratio:  2.7

[ocean12]

I've been on 1 mg per day of estradiol since 2002.  Would that little amount account for my HDL being 94?  That was interesting for me to read because I did not know that.

Also, thanks to everyone who replied to my posting.  I appreciate it.

[erijon]

Usually,  Hyperalphalipoproteinemia (high HDL, HALP for short) is a result of genetics, however, environmental factors also have a significant impact on HDL levels. Factors that elevate HDL concentrations include chronic alcoholism, treatment with oral estrogen replacement therapy, extensive aerobic exercise, and treatment with niacin, statins, or fibrates. On the other hand, smoking reduces levels of HDL cholesterol, while quitting smoking leads to a rise in the plasma HDL level. HALP from genetics is considered primary and HALP resulting from environmental issues is considered secondary. HALP is more prevalent in women at a rate of 7.8% of the population over 40.

HALP is a common entity in the general population. A correct diagnosis would help to avoid unnecessary treatment of hypercholesterolemia in 5% of the population. The overall prevalence rate is 7.8%. In persons with HALP, primary HALP accounts for 92% of cases, and secondary HALP accounts for 7.9% of cases.

HALP may be associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as reduced morbidity and mortality. Again, you should ask your doctor why they feel you need further intervention. Your ratio (Total Cholesterol/ HDL) is very good, anything under 3.3 is consider optimal.

I hope this helps more than it confuses!

Jon

[ocean12]

Can you please be more specific as to what underlying diseases can be related to high HDL?  My friend who is a doctor even said that she rerely sees HDL numbers in the range of 90s.  Mine is  94 and that's quite high. Although she never mentioned anything about conditions that can be related to high numbers.  Maybe she doesn't want to worry me.
Thanks for your input.

[erijon]

Actually, your numbers are not too bad. If you could get your LDL under 130 it would be a great start. That can be done with diet and exercise and a statin if that doesn't work. Your total is high because your HDL is very high, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. High HDL can be an indication of some underlying diseases conditions so you should make sure there are none. Your tri's and ratio look good.

Again, you need to ask your doctor if he is comfortable with your high HDL. It should be around 50 - 55 for you but higher can be a good thing, it depends on your doctor, they know your history.

Good luck,

Jon

[kenkeith]

Plaque assessment can be done by CT scan angioplaty (images of the anatomy of heart coronary vessels for soft plaque (between the linings of the vessel) and hard plaque that resides in the heart channel that can reduce the flow of blood.

Then there is a cath angioplasty and that entails running an instrument through a vessel and into the heart to exam whether there is any plaque blockage.

Procedures usually are done if the patient is having chest pains that are believe to be vascular blockage.  That would be appropriate procedure.