Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 5/8/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Todd,
Greetings again! How is total cholesterol calculated?  My recent lipid results don't add up.  They are:-

(mmol/L)
Total Chol : 4.2
Trig : 1.1
HDL : 1.5       
Calc LDL : 2.2  

1.1 + 1.5 + 2.2 = 4.8?

(I'm finding my jogging is pushing HDL up and LDL down with time. I also take herbs, which help.)

Thanks.
Regards,
Usuff


Answer -
Usuff,

The numbers in a lipid panel do not add up to the Total Cholesterol level.

"Total Cholesterol" is the total cholesterol.
LDL, HDL and Triglycerides are "Lipids" that carry cholesterol.

LDL carries cholesterol FROM the liver TO the cells of the body and HDL carries cholesterol FROM cells of the body TO the liver.

Don't try to add things up, it doesn't work.

Todd
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Todd,

Thanks. If my HDL increases, will that also increase my total cholesterol?  If my LDL and/or triglycerides decrease, will my total cholesterol also decrease?  If I understand this correctly, total cholesterol is a seperate entity unto itself and is directly related to the three components being discussed, not by simple addition but by some circuitous mathematical way?  Thanks.

Cheers,
Usuff  

Answer
Usuff,

If my HDL increases, will that also increase my total cholesterol?
- No, not necessarily.  Your HDL can go up and your Total may stay the same, go up or go down.  It depends on what changes you make.

If my LDL and/or triglycerides decrease, will my total cholesterol also decrease?
- If you LDL goes down, your Total will also probably go down.  Total cholesterol and LDL usually go up and down at the same time.  
Triglycerides are usually totally independent of total cholesterol.  Your triglycerides can go down and your Total may stay the same, go up or go down.  It depends on what changes you make.

You are correct when you say, "total cholesterol is a separate entity unto itself and is directly related to the three components being discussed, not by simple addition but by some circuitous mathematical way."

Please go by my website to find specific ways to decrease (or increase) HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Todd
www.Lipid-Clinic.com