I just had a full chemistry profile done. My triglycerides are 249. I am female, 35 and excersize 1 hour (aerobics) three times per week. My cholesterol is 140 and the other lipids are within the normal range.
The test was not done fasting. I am baffled.
Answer ---------
The purpose of testing cholesterol is to assess risk for heart disease. Many factors influence risk for heart disease. Those you don't mention may be much more important than slightly elevated non-fasting triglycerides. If you smoke cigarettes, you must stop to lower your risk significantly. This is the most important risk factor that you can control. If you have high blood pressure get it treated. If you have siblings or parents with heart disease work harder on the things you can change. If your are postmenopausal (for example after hysterectomy and oophorectomy) then talk to your doctor about taking estrogen.
Your total cholesterol of 140 is far below the 200 level at which heart disease risk increases. The HDL is usually far more important than triglycerides in determining heart disease risk: above 35 or 40 is good.
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Paul Hunter, M.D.
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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