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Well Medical Center, PC 800-704-1947

Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers

Managing your Cholesterol is one of those life tasks where a bit of effort goes oh so far!  Often I may see someone who’s cholesterol numbers are through the roof, yet after just a bit of teamwork those numbers are near perfect within 90 day.  This is certainly what happens in my practice.  If this isn’t happening for you, then read closely- you can do this!

The Cholesterol Goals Are Simple- Never Let Anyone Tell You Otherwise

LDL and Trigs should both be under 100 (or 150 is you’re feeling daring),

and HDL should be 60 or better.

I’ve seen docs dive off the deep in with regards to including the apoproteins but I promise it only serves to confuse patients- not cool and unfair!  This bloodwork belongs to the patient twice over- this is literally the blood that runs through their veins, and they pay hard-earned money for these test results.  They should be honored as such.

 

So without further delay, here’s the quick and easy:

  1.  LDL=Lousy/Bad Cholesterol and as such, must stay LOW.                                 Goal: Under 150 (but I’m more aggressive- I prefer 100 for a longer and healthier lifespan).                                                                                                                 Control:  Usually, cook at home 5-6 times/week.
  2. Trigs=  These are cream, diary, butter, or other rich foods.                                    Goal also under 100 (or 150 as some situations allow).                                  Control: Enjoy rich sauces or desserts only once or twice weekly.  These two habits over 90 days will usually melt high cholesterol away!
  3. HDL=Happy/Good Cholesterol, and as such should soar HIGH.                        Goal: 60                                                                                                                    Control: Move that body!  Dance, bike, walk, hula-hoop. MOVEMENT FOR THE LAUGHTER OF IT!

Last but not least, While most of my patients can take control of their cholesterol and don’t require medication control, this is a good time to mention that some statins, particularly Rosuvastatin, aka Crestor even at it’s lower doses of 5 or 10 not only does a great job of keeping those numbers low but is now being studied as an anti-aging medicine! 

Guess who takes a low baby dose of Crestor each morning!  #PassingCalciumCardiacCT with flying colors :-)!