Cholesterol. The test and the translation.

[Chicagotarsier]

Paid for a training class concerning the performing and correct procedures of the Cholesterol tests.

CHO
HDL
LDL
VLDL
TG

Wanted to share these facts:

1. CHO is not a test (total cholesterol) it is a summation of the other 4 tests.
2. The tests are highly sensitive. Standing vs sitting can cause a difference of over 60% in the final reading of each test.
3. Fear of needles will cause you to always have higher results on these tests. Exercise can impact the result just as much (If you walked to the hospital vs drive. Stressful drive vs low stress drive...etc.)
4. HDL >1 (Metric) is the first check. If not then it is an issue
5. Magic formula = CHO / HDL (Metric) If 4-4.5 is the result you are normal. < that range is fine. >that range you are high risk.
6. High LDL does not put you at risk. 2x normal LDL is not considered harmful (you can improve). 3x LDL they start to worry....only because this puts you over the 4.5 ratio mark for the Magic Formula.
7. They do not consider you a candidate for medication unless you have immediate risk factors (stroke MI recently) or your Magic Number is over 4.5


Hopefully this information will help you translate your Cholesterol reports while on cycle and help you understand what is the real story. I truly hate the ranges they use on these tests that mean little to nothing.

So example:

After Lipitor: 4.3 CHO / 1 HDL = 4.3 LOW RISK

Before Lipitor: 5.3 CHO / 1.19 = 4.45 LOW RISK

Which gives you a little insight into Lipitor also. It destroys all cholesterol levels at some rate.

[Flatus78]

I agree, but just remember that high high cholesterol is considered a "risk faktor" for CVD just like obesity, smoking and hereditary for CVD etc. And in general the higher the HDL the better(even though there is a upper limit around 2,5). I.e. it is preventive medicine, and it will take decades before you can "reap the rewards" of staying healthy and taking statins if you need to(like simvastatin and atorvastin).