Interpretation of cholesterol test results

kayeb

Could anyone offer any advice on the interpretation of the result of a cholesterol test I had at the local Co-op pharmacy today please?

My total cholesterol was 7.03
My HDL was 2.5
My ratio was 2.8

I'm 55 & I like to keep an eye on my cholesterol as my Dad died of a heart attack in 1999, & 3 of my other close male relatives died of heart attacks at a young age.

Over the last 20 years my cholesterol had been steadily coming down (from about 9 in 1999 to 6.2 last year).

I had high hopes for today's test as I had cut out virtually all sweets & snacks & really upped my fruit & veg. I've lost a stone & my BMI is only 20.2 now so I was quite depressed to see such an increase. I don't smoke & am really active, swimming & walking a lot.

Should I be worried?

Browntoa

Read

https://www.gp-training.net/training/tutorials/clinical/cardiovascular/chol.htm

donnac2558

7+ is considered high. Doctors want it at 5 or just below.



Because of family history of strokes I was put the tablets some years back. Mine was 7.8 at one point and the doctor was very unhappy hence havig to go on the Statins.



Fruit is very high in sugar not as bad as sweets but it is still high in sugar.


You should really go see your doctor and have a chat.

kayeb

Thanks for the replies. I am also suspicious the Co-op machine might not be working correctly so I've made an appointment to see my GP to discuss & possibly request a proper test.

emmzickle

Did the pharmacist who performed the test not give you any information?

If they were not useful you could speak to another pharmacist before your GP appointment.

kayeb

Yes, they said improve your lifestyle. Lose weight, improve your diet, & exercise more! But thanks for the tip. No other pharmacist around here does cholesterol tests.

onwards&upwards

You do need to see your GP, you might have one of the milder forms of hereditary high cholesterol and need medication regardless of lifestyle, especially with that family history.

It sounds like your diet, smoking and activity are all pretty good, but do you drink? Have you cut down on foods that are high in saturated fat like red meat and cheese?

Here’s a great resource for interpreting the results:
https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/getting-a-cholesterol-test

kayeb

Thanks again for the reply. I'm not much of a drinker, just an occasional glass of wine. I'm seeing a GP on the 5th Feb. When I've had an accurate test then I can see the true reading & take it from there. I understand rapid weight loss can cause short term increase in cholesterol as the blood is flooded with cholesterol during the weight loss process & it may stabilise (according to Google). But as you say, the best next step is a GP visit.