Hey, I just got my recent blood work back, and it's got me a bit concerned. My HDL is at 30 and LDL is really high at 240. Should I be alarmed by these numbers? I've started watching my diet about a week ago to boost my HDL and lower my LDL, but I'm wondering if that'll really make a difference. What should I expect in terms of improvement? Would love some guidance on what else I should be doing.

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Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

MBBS
5+ Yrs

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To help improve your HDL and lower your LDL levels, you can continue with your proper diet and also consider medication if necessary. For increasing HDL, you can try incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. To lower LDL, you can focus on a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, and high in fiber. Additionally, you may benefit from medications such as Atorvastatin (Lipitor) to help lower your LDL levels. It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

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Answered 04/07/2025

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Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): At 30 mg/dL, your HDL is low. HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): At 240 mg/dL, your LDL is high. High LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease risk.
Impact of Dietary Changes
- Diet Influence: Reducing saturated fats and increasing fiber can improve cholesterol levels.
- Expected Improvement: Changes may take several weeks to months to show significant results.
Additional Lifestyle Modifications
- Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling.
- Weight Management: Aim for a healthy weight to help control cholesterol.
- Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: These can negatively impact cholesterol levels.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment Options
- Consultation: See a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
- Possible Tests: A lipid panel and possibly an ECG to assess cardiovascular risk.
- Medications: Statins may be recommended if lifestyle changes are insufficient.
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Regular Monitoring: Keep track of cholesterol levels with your healthcare provider.
- Set Goals: Work towards realistic HDL and LDL targets.
- Maintain Healthy Habits: Continue with lifestyle changes and follow medical advice.

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Answered 20/08/2025

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