a serious question about cholesterol

[dimar97]

My husband and I both started this WOE in mid-April. Neither of us would be considered overweight, in fact we were both in the appropriate weight catagory for our height and had good BMI's (prior to starting). Honestly, for both of us its been a matter of maybe 10 vanity pounds. The lowfat/low cal wasn't working and a friend had had success with this so we decided to give it a go. Both of us have had healthy blood work; no problems with BP, cholesterol, blood sugar etc. Yesterday my husb went to a Wellness Fair at work and his cholesterol was 265!!! Now granted this was the overall cholesterol only (considering the quickie nature of a health fair) - not a broken down screen of all cholesterols - but certainly cause for concern. If your levels are not off the chart to begin with - can this WOE cause them to be so? We both exercise several times per week and don't have genetic predispositions to high cholesterol. I am worried...

[not2late]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

DANDR 2002 Chapter 10 Frequently Asked Questions Section addresses this issue. Your husband really needs to have the breakdown of the cholesterol. Total cholesterol can increase if the HDL cholesterol increases. Total cholesterol can increase if the triglycerides decrease significantly. Total cholesterol can increase while you are losing weight (body fat), because that body fat is broken down for use as energy.

So he really needs the entire lipid profile in order to see what's going on, rather than just a total cholesterol.

[jroche5998]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

I actually had the opposite result. However that being said, this diet does raise your HDL levels. Which can skew the results dramatically. If you have a chest full of lead coins and gold coins, and you are told that there are 5000 coins total. Are you rich? You have no idea without the breakdown, same with the cholesterol.

Have a full fasting blood chems done at your doctor, is my recommendation. I try to go every year on or around my birthday. HDL numbers going up is good even if it skews the total cholesterol numbers. The ration of total/HDL is the critical measure for cardiac risk, >5.0 is bad. The other very important number is triglycerides, which is the building blocks of fat in your bloodstream, and a big marker for cardiac health. Mine went from well over 300 to mid 80's in three months.

See your doctor, get the chemistries done and that should answer your questions.

[ttdriver]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

I agree with Megs & Jim.

Total means nothing; its the breakdown. And a non-fasting test is meaningless as well.

Dr. Atkins was a cardiologist...remember that.

Betty

[ValidRouge]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

a cholesterol screen at a health fair is useless as it's not a fasting test. I would expect that if you go have a fasting test your lipid profile will have improved. BUT, it improves after about 3 months on the diet. If you go within the first month or two, before your body really adapts to the lifestyle...it could appear to have increased.

[sallyseachange]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

My first test for cholesterol after doing Atkins for six months gave me a total of 265 too. But the breakdown was terrific... and my risk ratio was off the charts in a good sense. My doctor was very pleased and when I asked him if I could continue to eat eggs, chream and cheese etc. he said: "Absolutely yesss!"

Your husband will probably find his risk ratio is improved too, as such improvements are very common when eating this way.

[dimar97]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

I guess that was my question, how long does it take your body to adapt. I have to see my doc in Aug so I will request a complete panel then - that should be enough time.
thanks everyone, I feel better about it.

[sallyseachange]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

I seem to remember that one should wait six weeks of eating the Atkins way before doing bloodwork... correct me if I'm wrong anyone.

[Elizellen]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

You are right, Sally.
From Chapter 10

Before and After Tests
After you have been doing Atkins for six weeks or so, have your blood work redone; you may be surprised at the dramatic improvements.

He then goes on to talk in depth about likely test results etc

[sallyseachange]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

Thanks Elizellen. You're quite brilliant at knowing/remembering everything in DANDR! I'm always awed. I only manage to remember things in hazy, general terms.

[mirna05]

Re: a serious question about cholesterol

It is important that you take your suplements since the first day you started atkins, vitamins and essential oils, they are not optional.