Cholesterol

[Nellie]

I remember reading in a post on the other forum that questionable cholesterol will probably not keep you from the academy. I hope that is true.

I just received a notice from the clinic (which did my medical exam) that said my cholesterol was abnormal:

HDL: 33L (40-55 is normal)
LDL: 124
LDL:HDL Ratio: 3.76H (1.0 to 3.5 is normal)

I know this looks bad, but it is actually an improvement over a year ago when my HDL was 24 and my ratio was 5 something. I have since been exercising and eating better. I need to lose a few more pounds, and am heading to the gym in about 30 minutes! I am 6'1" and hover between 197 and 200 pounds. It seems I've been stuck at 199 for a couple of weeks.

[Welpe]

What is considered normal for LDL? That's the bad one. HDL can be raised some by eating leaner foods (with unsaturated fats as opposed to saturated fats). Make sure you are getting enough soluable fiber as well such as found in fruits, veggies and oats. Reducing your alcohol consumption can also help. Another big thing is the amount of trans fats you are taking in. Trans fats are bad news because they are synthetically created and our bodies do not like them. Avoid them at all costs. You can spot trans fats by reading ingredient labels. Anything with partially hydrogenated oil will have trans fats in it. Of course I recommend you speak to a doctor about any changes to your diet. :smile:

[Nellie]

Thanks for the input.

LDL numbers are...

Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL Near Optimal/ Above Optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL Borderline High
160 to 189 mg/dL High
190 mg/dL and above Very High


Mine seems to be in a decent place.

I've been eating better and less junky foods. No fries or hash browns!

[Welpe]

It seems your LDL is OK. You will probably lower that more as you try to raise your HDL.

It sucks giving up tasty food doesn't it? I've been slowly but steadily changing my diet the last 4 or 5 weeks. I am getting used to eating healthier but one of my weaknesses is tasty yet bad food. :mad:

[Your Mentor]

Unless there's been a change, there is NO blood test.

[Nellie]

Unless there's been a change, there is NO blood test.

The results I got were from my CHP medical exam. A blood test was part of the procedure. They took 3 vials.

[Your Mentor]

No kidding? It's been a while but I don't remember a blood test. Back when we had the PPT they did random blood tests and found a few folks with high cholesterol. Mine was rock bottom back then. Now it's over the top but the Dept. won't retire or fire me for it. Odd. I guess I'll just keep plugging along until my arteries just seize up. I do remember they X-rayed my back which didn't make sense to me then but certainly does now. Your back is the first thing to go on this job. You wouldn't believe how many back injuries occur on this job. I ruptured the disc between L5 and S6 when I was 32. A very common injury; aside from the so-called "soft tissue" back injuries. Hasn't bothered me in years but I know officers who live with back pain daily. Now I'm surprised they didn't do an MRI during my physical.

Well I can see the need to do a blood test; particularly with all the risks involved with our job.