Cholesterol Help Please

[vintagebella]

Hi, I've been eating LCHF for a year now and have just had the result of my cholesterol blood test back - total 12.7! Luckily my doctor is ok with this way of eating and has agreed that as my 'good' cholesterol is 1.9 we've agreed that I'll try reducing my dairy intake and upping the 'good' fats. In the meantime, she's going to take further advice.

So, does anyone have any thoughts? Should I be worried? Is there any research about this woe and cholesterol I could look into?

Thanks

Now I think about it, this wasn't a fasting blood test so do the numbers matter?

Quick update - apparently cholesterol that high is not to do with what I eat, it's a possible sign of hypothyroidism. Lots of investigations to come but thought it was useful to mention it in case anyone else gets the same shock and thinks it's to do with their woe.

Thank you

Hi. I thought my total cholesterol was high at 10! I have been on keto diet for 2 months to reduce migraines. GP was shocked at my cholesterol result 2 weeks ago and said she didn't understand what it meant. My HDL and triglycerides were great. My understanding is that high total cholesterol is associated with lower mortality in women, and it's the ratios that are important. I've been referred to the lipid clinic. Don't have date yet. They should check the size and type of my LDL particles. I'm hoping I have large fluffy LDL particles. Have you any news?

@Stuntnun is good at explaining cholesterol results. I'm not medical, so I won't even try to reassure you - although you already seem to have done some good research yourself.

I have an inherited form of high cholesterol and you need the ratio of good to bad cholesterol to really understand what’s going on. However, at such high rates, I would be asking whether familial hyperlipidaemia might be at the root as well.. is there a history of heart disease and / or heart attacks at a young age in your family? 40s for men, 50s for women would ring alarm bells.

Thanks for the input all, very interesting. My ratio is over 7 so still very high although my 'good' cholesterol is at the top of range and my 'bad' cholesterol is at the bottom of range so from that point of view I'm fine.

I have also discovered that if you're physically losing weight on LCHF then your cholesterol will be high but only while the process is ongoing.

lightonnotin my GP nearly fell off her chair, I don't think she'd ever seen such a high number! I've also done a lot of reading and so far, mine is the highest number I've come across - nice I'm the best at something

I've also read studies that have shown that high cholesterol in post menopausal women is a positive, so there's that. Not sure they meant quite so high though.

wtftodo No familial issues with cholesterol that I know of. Lots of auto immune conditions and hypertension though.

My GP took advice from the lipid clinic consultant and we've agreed a plan of action. I'm having further thyroid tests as other symptoms that I have, together with the cholesterol readings suggest hypothyroidism, in my case Hashimoto's. If I'm diagnosed then I'll be treated and hopefully things will be resolved. If I'm not diagnosed then I'm being referred to the lipid clinic.

I'll update when I find anything out in case it helps anyone.