HDL

Question
Hi Todd,

I've had a history of high cholesterol: cholesterol around 230,
with LDL easily 150 and HDL around 35. (I have a family history
of this, on the male side.) I began statins a few years ago. Over
the past few years, my cholesterol has been around 160, LDL
between 95-115. My HDL was between 35-40 on lovastatin, but
on Zocor it went up to 47. (Other numbers improved a bit, too.)

In July I made a change in my diet, and began having 2 eggs a
week, for the first time. I also decreased my meat intake. After
finishing off the last of my lovastatin, my blood test in October
showed: cholesterol 171, LDL 111 and HDL 55.

Todd, here is what I want to know: could my change in diet be
the reason for the jump in HDL? (I've never seen it that high.) My
doctor dismissed that idea, and suggested instead that the jump
was more likely due to error.

What are your thoughts on the HDL change?

Thanks,
Jona

Answer
Jona,

The dramatic increase in your HDL level may very well be due to lab error.  I wouldn't expect that the diet changes you made would contribute to the increase, however.

If your triglycerides were significantly elevated in the past, and are now lower, that could have contributed to the increase in HDL.  Also, if you have lost weight or increased your exercise routine, that could raise your HDL.  Lastly, have you added or stopped any other medicines since your last cholesterol test?  Some medicines can increase HDL (Niacin or triglyceride medicines) and some can decrease HDL.

Best wishes.

Todd
www.lipid-clinic.com

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