Cholesterol reading

[kia cat]

Had results back after the 14 hour fasting. My cholesterol reading was 5.9 [it was 6.0 last year]. So is this a combination of High & Low cholest figures?

A Doc had told me a couple of years ago, that as a smoker, you should deduct 1.0 from the reading to get a true figure. But I'm told I still need to reduce my cholest figure. So I guess it's more fruit & veg for me? What of the "new" oxycholest. figure? Is that only in fast food?

[boxtops]

There are two readings, but the one you are given is the more important - I'm not very bright this morning but one is a reading and the other is a ratio. Anything under 5.0 is good - 5 is the target we shouldn't be over. I was 7.4 when first diagnosed - I've been on statins for a year, now 4.7 (and have tried to change diet but I can only really thank the medication). Aim to be below 5.

[Sqad]

kia.....that figure is your TOTAL cholesterol.

You total cholesterol is made up of High Density Cholesterol (HDL.....good cholesterol) and Low Density Cholesterol (LDL...bad cholesterol)

Your GP will give you the figures of HDL/LDL. which are more important than the Total Cholesterol.

Total Cholesterol 5.9....seems OK to me.

Don't get "hung up"on cholesterol readings.

[DEN53]

5.9 sounds good to me aswell, kia .

[kia cat]

Thanks gang, I'm not worried and I thought 5.9 was reasonable. Didn't know quite why I was sent a letter asking me to ctc the surgery and get two calls from Doc over this. I'll ask about separate figures on next visit