CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THE NUMBERS FOR GOOD AND BAD CHOLESTEROL????
I HAD 9 TUBES OF BLOOD DRAWN. AND THE REPORT IS 4 PAGES.
I THINK MY CHOLESTEROL READS ........168
NOW TH "HDL".................................68
AND THE "LDL"................................100
SO IS THAT GOOD YOUR BAD?
CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN IT. THEY ARE SAYING THE NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED, AS
TO WHAT WAS BAD LAST YEAR, IS NOW CONSIDERED GOOD. I'M SO CONFUSED???
IF ANYONE CAN TELL ME WHERE I'M AT. IT WOULD BE GREAT!!!
I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A NICE HOLIDAY.
THANKS
NOBETTERWOMEN........BRIDGE
hi bridget
with a little patience you can learn what all that jargon means 
start here .. but if you want the fast results then go to the end and read "bottom line" - good luck to you
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Perhaps the most routine test is the complete blood count (CBC). The CBC examines formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets), and plasma (which is made of water, protein and other substances).
White blood cells (WBC). White blood cells or leukocytes defend the body against infection. The total number of white blood cells ranges from 4,000 to 11,000 per cubic millimeter in the average healthy adult. A high WBC count may mean the body is fighting an infection. A low WBC count may mean there is a bone marrow problem either from chronic disease or from drugs like AZT or ganciclovir. Tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and other fungal diseases may also cause bone marrow problems such as "cytopenia" or low cell counts.
Red blood cells (RBC). These cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The number of RBCs within the normal range varies from 3.6 to 6.1 million per cubic millimeter. Too many RBCs (or platelets) in the bloodstream may cause slow blood flow and compromise circulation. A low RBC may signify anemia, a shortage of red blood cells, or hemoglobin; this usually reflects underproduction or premature destruction of the cells.
Hemoglobin is a protein that enables RBCs to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The amount of hemoglobin determines how much oxygen the RBCs are capable of carrying to other cells. Normal hemoglobin levels range from 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women and 13.5 to 18 for men.
Hematocrit is the volume of RBCs expressed as a percentage of the total blood volume. If you spin a sample of blood so that the cells settle to the bottom of the tube, the percentage of volume occupied by the cells alone is called the "hematocrit." The hematocrit shows the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This value also tells whether the blood is too thick or too thin. The average range is 40%-54%.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the average volume of the individual red blood cells. MCV is calculated by dividing the hematocrit by the total RBCs. The average range is 81-101 femoliters. A low MCV indicates the cells are smaller than normal. This most commonly occurs because of an iron deficiency or chronic disease.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) are measures of the amount and volume of hemoglobin in the average cell. The MCH average range is 27-35 picograms. The MCH results from dividing total hemoglobin by total RBCs. The average range from MCHC is 31-37%.
Platelets are an element of the blood that are important for blood clotting. They are formed in the bone marrow. Too many platelets may cause "sludging" of the blood flow. People with HIV disease may have low platelets or "thrombocytopenia." Drug reactions may also be responsible for the destruction of RBCs or platelets. The average platelet count is 150-440. The chance of major bleeding rises as the platelet count drops.
Differential is a breakdown of the different types of white blood cells and is usually expressed as a percentage of the total WBCs. Multiplying these percents by the total WBCs gives the "absolute" counts. For example, if the percent of lymphocytes is 30% and the total WBCs is 10,000, the absolute lymphocyte count is 3,000.
Segs, Neutrophils, Polys (polymorphonuclear cell) are WBCs involved in fighting bacterial infections. Neutropenia is a drop in the absolute neutrophil count to below 500.
Lymphocytes (lymphs) are cells that produce antibodies, regulate the immune system, and fight viruses and tumors. The T4 or CD4 cell is part of this lymphocyte family, but is not included as part of a routine CBC. Ranges vary from 10-45%.
Monocytes or Macrophages (Monos) are WBCs involved in fighting bacterial infections.
Eosinophils (Eos) are WBCs usually involved in allergic-type reactions. An elevated eosinophil percentage can help in diagnosing certain types of allergic diseases. Ranges vary from 0-8%.
Chemistry (Chem) Panel
A large part of your laboratory report examines chemicals in your blood and identifies whether body processes are working correctly. Typically, 24 of these values are included in a "Chem 24 report," also known as a SMAC or SMA20. Your physician or clinical nurse manager may be able to help you decipher your lab values. Chemistry panels should be administered once a year if you're not taking medication, more often if you are.
Glucose is sugar in the blood, most commonly used to monitor diabetes mellitus.
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride are also known as electrolytes. These must be monitored carefully in dehydration, kidney disease, and during intravenous therapy (especially with foscarnet). Sodium levels reflect sal****er balance. Potassium levels rise in kidney failure, and may be low after severe vomiting or diarrhea.
BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. This tends to rise in dehydration and in kidney or heart failure. Prednisone and other steroids may cause BUN to rise.
Albumin is one of the two major types of protein in the blood. Manufactured in the liver, albumin decreases in chronic liver disease. It also reflects one's general nutritional status.
Globulins are a mixture of proteins that include immunoglobulins, or antibodies.
A-G Ratio is the ratio of albumin to globulin.
Bilirubin derives from the hemoglobin of dead RBCs. Bilirubin is excreted by the liver as part of the bile. Bilirubin causes the yellow color of the skin and eyes (jaundice) which occurs in hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, and other liver disorders.
Gamma GT, SGOT, SGPT, and LDH are liver enzymes. Elevation of these tests is most common in liver disease, but may also rise from injuries, tumors and drug reactions. People with Pneumocystis pneumonia tend to have a more serious prognosis if they have elevated LDH.
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin. The iron screen is useful in identifying iron deficiency, which causes anemia (low red blood cells and hemoglobin). Iron loss may be due to chronic bleeding, for instance, when Kaposi's sarcoma affects the intestines.
*****Cholesterol and Triglycerides are fatty substances found in the blood. They are measured to assess risk for coronary heart disease and to follow the effect of dietary manipulations. Medication is sometimes used to lower cholesterol if diet doesn't work alone.
Cholesterol guidelines
The National Cholesterol Education program (NCEP) has published these general cholesterol guidelines and considers a total cholesterol number above 200 to increase your risk of heart disease.
If your total number is above 240, you have high cholesterol.2 A person with this level has twice the risk of heart disease compared with someone whose cholesterol is 200 mg/dL. About 1 in 5 American adults has a high blood cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or greater.3
If your total cholesterol number is between 200 and 239, you have borderline high cholesterol.4
Any cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or more increases your risk.5 More than half the adults in the United States have levels above 200 mg/dL. 6
If your total cholesterol number is above 200 or "borderline" your doctor may want to measure the specific levels of your HDL and LDL cholesterol as well as your triglycerides.
This test is called a "lipoprotein profile."
It's desirable that your total cholesterol number be less than 200.7
*****For cholesterol to travel through your blood, it is coated with a layer of protein to make a lipoprotein. Two lipoproteins you may have heard of are HDL and LDL.
"Good" cholesterol - (HDL) cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is called "good cholesterol" because it is believed to remove cholesterol from the blood. High levels of HDL in your blood may help to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. A low level can increase your risk.
"Bad" cholesterol - (LDL) cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is known as "bad cholesterol." Excess LDL builds up in your arteries and may lead to heart disease. The higher the level of LDL, the higher your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in your blood. Most of the body's fat tissue, that comes from the fat in foods, is in the form of triglycerides which are stored for energy. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease. You would like your triglycerides to be low.
Helpful Tip:
You want your HDL to be "high" and your LDL to be "low."
*****What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:
Total cholesterol
LDL (bad) cholesterol--the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
HDL (good) cholesterol--helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries
Triglycerides--another form of fat in your blood
If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL* or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done. See how your cholesterol numbers compare to the tables below.
Total Cholesterol Level Category
Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable
200-239 mg/dL Borderline High
240 mg/dL and above High
* Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
LDL Cholesterol Level LDL-Cholesterol Category
Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100-129 mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very high
HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better. A level less than 40 mg/dL is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your risk for developing heart disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment in some people
BOTTOM LINE
your LDL is Good at 100
Your HDL is Good at 68 (HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease. )
your 168 is Good -- Total Cholesterol Level Category Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable
start here .. but if you want the fast results then go to the end and read "bottom line" - good luck to you
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Perhaps the most routine test is the complete blood count (CBC). The CBC examines formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets), and plasma (which is made of water, protein and other substances).
White blood cells (WBC). White blood cells or leukocytes defend the body against infection. The total number of white blood cells ranges from 4,000 to 11,000 per cubic millimeter in the average healthy adult. A high WBC count may mean the body is fighting an infection. A low WBC count may mean there is a bone marrow problem either from chronic disease or from drugs like AZT or ganciclovir. Tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and other fungal diseases may also cause bone marrow problems such as "cytopenia" or low cell counts.
Red blood cells (RBC). These cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The number of RBCs within the normal range varies from 3.6 to 6.1 million per cubic millimeter. Too many RBCs (or platelets) in the bloodstream may cause slow blood flow and compromise circulation. A low RBC may signify anemia, a shortage of red blood cells, or hemoglobin; this usually reflects underproduction or premature destruction of the cells.
Hemoglobin is a protein that enables RBCs to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The amount of hemoglobin determines how much oxygen the RBCs are capable of carrying to other cells. Normal hemoglobin levels range from 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women and 13.5 to 18 for men.
Hematocrit is the volume of RBCs expressed as a percentage of the total blood volume. If you spin a sample of blood so that the cells settle to the bottom of the tube, the percentage of volume occupied by the cells alone is called the "hematocrit." The hematocrit shows the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This value also tells whether the blood is too thick or too thin. The average range is 40%-54%.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the average volume of the individual red blood cells. MCV is calculated by dividing the hematocrit by the total RBCs. The average range is 81-101 femoliters. A low MCV indicates the cells are smaller than normal. This most commonly occurs because of an iron deficiency or chronic disease.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) are measures of the amount and volume of hemoglobin in the average cell. The MCH average range is 27-35 picograms. The MCH results from dividing total hemoglobin by total RBCs. The average range from MCHC is 31-37%.
Platelets are an element of the blood that are important for blood clotting. They are formed in the bone marrow. Too many platelets may cause "sludging" of the blood flow. People with HIV disease may have low platelets or "thrombocytopenia." Drug reactions may also be responsible for the destruction of RBCs or platelets. The average platelet count is 150-440. The chance of major bleeding rises as the platelet count drops.
Differential is a breakdown of the different types of white blood cells and is usually expressed as a percentage of the total WBCs. Multiplying these percents by the total WBCs gives the "absolute" counts. For example, if the percent of lymphocytes is 30% and the total WBCs is 10,000, the absolute lymphocyte count is 3,000.
Segs, Neutrophils, Polys (polymorphonuclear cell) are WBCs involved in fighting bacterial infections. Neutropenia is a drop in the absolute neutrophil count to below 500.
Lymphocytes (lymphs) are cells that produce antibodies, regulate the immune system, and fight viruses and tumors. The T4 or CD4 cell is part of this lymphocyte family, but is not included as part of a routine CBC. Ranges vary from 10-45%.
Monocytes or Macrophages (Monos) are WBCs involved in fighting bacterial infections.
Eosinophils (Eos) are WBCs usually involved in allergic-type reactions. An elevated eosinophil percentage can help in diagnosing certain types of allergic diseases. Ranges vary from 0-8%.
Chemistry (Chem) Panel
A large part of your laboratory report examines chemicals in your blood and identifies whether body processes are working correctly. Typically, 24 of these values are included in a "Chem 24 report," also known as a SMAC or SMA20. Your physician or clinical nurse manager may be able to help you decipher your lab values. Chemistry panels should be administered once a year if you're not taking medication, more often if you are.
Glucose is sugar in the blood, most commonly used to monitor diabetes mellitus.
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride are also known as electrolytes. These must be monitored carefully in dehydration, kidney disease, and during intravenous therapy (especially with foscarnet). Sodium levels reflect sal****er balance. Potassium levels rise in kidney failure, and may be low after severe vomiting or diarrhea.
BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. This tends to rise in dehydration and in kidney or heart failure. Prednisone and other steroids may cause BUN to rise.
Albumin is one of the two major types of protein in the blood. Manufactured in the liver, albumin decreases in chronic liver disease. It also reflects one's general nutritional status.
Globulins are a mixture of proteins that include immunoglobulins, or antibodies.
A-G Ratio is the ratio of albumin to globulin.
Bilirubin derives from the hemoglobin of dead RBCs. Bilirubin is excreted by the liver as part of the bile. Bilirubin causes the yellow color of the skin and eyes (jaundice) which occurs in hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, and other liver disorders.
Gamma GT, SGOT, SGPT, and LDH are liver enzymes. Elevation of these tests is most common in liver disease, but may also rise from injuries, tumors and drug reactions. People with Pneumocystis pneumonia tend to have a more serious prognosis if they have elevated LDH.
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin. The iron screen is useful in identifying iron deficiency, which causes anemia (low red blood cells and hemoglobin). Iron loss may be due to chronic bleeding, for instance, when Kaposi's sarcoma affects the intestines.
*****Cholesterol and Triglycerides are fatty substances found in the blood. They are measured to assess risk for coronary heart disease and to follow the effect of dietary manipulations. Medication is sometimes used to lower cholesterol if diet doesn't work alone.
Cholesterol guidelines
The National Cholesterol Education program (NCEP) has published these general cholesterol guidelines and considers a total cholesterol number above 200 to increase your risk of heart disease.
If your total number is above 240, you have high cholesterol.2 A person with this level has twice the risk of heart disease compared with someone whose cholesterol is 200 mg/dL. About 1 in 5 American adults has a high blood cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or greater.3
If your total cholesterol number is between 200 and 239, you have borderline high cholesterol.4
Any cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or more increases your risk.5 More than half the adults in the United States have levels above 200 mg/dL. 6
If your total cholesterol number is above 200 or "borderline" your doctor may want to measure the specific levels of your HDL and LDL cholesterol as well as your triglycerides.
This test is called a "lipoprotein profile."
It's desirable that your total cholesterol number be less than 200.7
*****For cholesterol to travel through your blood, it is coated with a layer of protein to make a lipoprotein. Two lipoproteins you may have heard of are HDL and LDL.
"Good" cholesterol - (HDL) cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is called "good cholesterol" because it is believed to remove cholesterol from the blood. High levels of HDL in your blood may help to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease. A low level can increase your risk.
"Bad" cholesterol - (LDL) cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is known as "bad cholesterol." Excess LDL builds up in your arteries and may lead to heart disease. The higher the level of LDL, the higher your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in your blood. Most of the body's fat tissue, that comes from the fat in foods, is in the form of triglycerides which are stored for energy. High triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease. You would like your triglycerides to be low.
Helpful Tip:
You want your HDL to be "high" and your LDL to be "low."
*****What Do Your Cholesterol Numbers Mean?
Everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a "lipoprotein profile" to find out your cholesterol numbers. This blood test is done after a 9- to 12-hour fast and gives information about your:
Total cholesterol
LDL (bad) cholesterol--the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries
HDL (good) cholesterol--helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries
Triglycerides--another form of fat in your blood
If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL* or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done. See how your cholesterol numbers compare to the tables below.
Total Cholesterol Level Category
Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable
200-239 mg/dL Borderline High
240 mg/dL and above High
* Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.
LDL Cholesterol Level LDL-Cholesterol Category
Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100-129 mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal
130-159 mg/dL Borderline high
160-189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very high
HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better. A level less than 40 mg/dL is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your risk for developing heart disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease.
Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment in some people
BOTTOM LINE
your LDL is Good at 100
Your HDL is Good at 68 (HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease. )
your 168 is Good -- Total Cholesterol Level Category Less than 200 mg/dL Desirable Dear ross, and roberta
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to give me all that info:
I printed it out and will refer to it many times.
Do you guys do this for a living? Did you both have surgery?
I'm very new to this site. I'm trying to have lapband, here in south
jersey. I do not have any news yet from the ins. Co. But I feel like I have
just been through a crash college course. I am tired. But as
long as you guys think my blood is o.K. I'm good to go!!
Thank you both again.
Nobetterwomen" bridge
hi bridget
don't do this for a living ross is the family electrician and i'm the family nut case -- i work with adults with mental retardation/autism -- wouldn't trade my job for the world!!!!
we both had (i can say HAD now) Open RNY -- ross on 5/22/06 and mine was 11/22/06
ross started at 373 and is now 241 -- i started at 228 (started this journey at 248) and am 217 (but i'm NOT obsessed with that scale, YA RIGHT!!)
and we are from south jersey -- i'm originally from boston
take care
roberta
ross is the family electrician and i'm the family nut case -- i work with adults with mental retardation/autism -- wouldn't trade my job for the world!!!!
we both had (i can say HAD now) Open RNY -- ross on 5/22/06 and mine was 11/22/06
ross started at 373 and is now 241 -- i started at 228 (started this journey at 248) and am 217 (but i'm NOT obsessed with that scale, YA RIGHT!!)
and we are from south jersey -- i'm originally from boston
take care
roberta 
Hey Bridge....
In a nutshell.....anything under 200 is good. Yay!
HDL---is happy or good cholesterol.
LDL ---is Lousy or bad cholesterol.
Your levels are pretty level. Your good cholesterol is lower than the bad...which is not great....but your overal cholesterol level is ....Yay!
Hmmm....now that I type this, I seem to remember that they may have changed the cholesterol level to like 175...but you are still good!
What was your level last year? I can't remember mine off hand....time to get more blood drawn anyway I will ask then.
Take care!
BARBARA,
WHY IS IT THAT YOU ARE NOT ON MY LIST OF FRIENDS?
I DON'T KNOW HOW I LET THAT GET BY ME. I MIGHT NOT BE DOING
IT RIGHT, BUT HELP ME, GET YOU ON THERE.
MY SUPPORT MEETING IS THURSDAY, I THINK YOU SAID YOURS IS FRI.
I MIGHT GO TO YOURS ONE NIGHT, JUST SO I COULD MEET YA. IT IS AN
1 1/2 HOUR RIDE , BUT I THINK YOU ARE WORTH IT. lololol
TAKE CARE
BRIDGE
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