My other question is how much of a fluctuation is normal when
my eating and exercise habits remain about the same? My first
cholesterol check was done in May, 1989 and at that point it
was 215. That scared me senseless, so I immediately began to eat
more oat bran, less red meat, less cheese, etc. etc. I had it checked
again in August, 1989 and it was down to 169. Since then I have
maintained (or so I thought) the same kind of modified diet but
when I had it checked in May of 1990 it was up to 183. Is this
something to worry about and why would it go up when nothing else
has changed?

Thanks-----------vicki

I am a 21 year old male. I don't smoke, drink, or do any other {*filter*}.
My {*filter*} pressure is 130/76. My total cholest{*filter*}is 153. HDL is 43.

Can anyone tell me what the range of proper ratios are? Do I have too much
or even slightly too much HDL?

Thanks.

Frank Ma

        As far as tests go. Since quick screens are given without
internal standards to save time, the values can vary quite embarassingly.
A bit too much {*filter*} in the capillary, it's high. If the fluid in the
capillary includes lymph along with {*filter*}, it's low.
        Furthermore, since the enzyme assay is not exactly specific for
cholesterol, your previous meal can affect your score about 5-10 points.
In general, 5-10 points is no big deal, unless, it's the difference
between 195 and 205.  To really do it right, you have to use more
accurate (and more expensive) methods than a simple fingerstick.

--
                Craig Werner   (future MD/PhD, 4.5 years down, 2.5 to go)

              (1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517)
      "Illness strips away superficiality to reveal reality in etched detail."

i'm still skeptical about all this hoopla about cholesterol. i have yet to
see any scientific data which indicate that cholesterol *alone* causes
heart disease.  any references along these lines would be appreciated.

i'm 28 and have a level of 294,
with plenty of "bad" cholesterol and hence a "dangerous" ratio.
i'm not overweight and have low {*filter*} pressure.  does anyone know
of any boston area researchers who need a case study?

--
/eli

Two notes on cholesterol levels:

        {*filter*} cholesterol levels can fluctuate a fair amount over a
fairly short period.  If you really want to worry about your chol.
level, have it checked a few times over a period of time.  If your
level is CONSISTENTLY over 200, you should consult a physician for
evaluation.

        Some interesting mathematical modeling of certain risk factors
in coronary morbidity and mortality show some interesting effects with
the chol. levels.  In males, a level in the 170-180 range produces a
minimum in mortality;  in females, the minimum is in the range 180-210!
(These are math models, I am not a doctor, etc. ad nauseum.) [Refs
available if you really want them - the're  mostly in ms.s currently in
prep.]
--

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