{WHY ARE CHOLESTEROL TESTS SO CONFUSING!?} - HOW TO DECIPHER THEM — DR. ERIC WESTMAN

[Conversations with Dr. Westman: Episode 69]

If you feel confused and overwhelmed trying to understand your cholesterol test, you're not alone! Even doctors need specific education in how to make sense of the different numbers, ratios, and what they all mean.
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Watch this episode if you want help deciphering your cholesterol test.
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💟 FREE CHOLESTEROL GUIDE - ‘8 Ways Keto Improves Heart Health’ - Click the link below to download.
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[tomg]

I have to say I don't get it. Dr. Westman with his 20+ years in what one must call the most practical, no nonsense low carb practitioner with only 63.2K subscribers while some others whose names shall not be mentioned, have millions of subscribers. Whenever anyone asks me about our low carb journey I tell them to stick to the Westman basics.

[shelleycolby]

My total was always high210-240. HDL 89-115- triglycerides 51-60. Still prescribed Statins. On them for 15 years. Just stopped and lchf for a year. Lost 20 lbs BMI 22. Kicking myself for not questioning this.

[stilmotionpicture]

My HDL 81, Triglyceride is 34 and my LDL is 154 …I’m safe!!

[jbutler]

This is so fantastic. I was led to believe by doctors for years that I was fine as long as I followed a low fat diet and my total cholesterol was good. Meanwhile, my HDL was low, triglycerides were high and rising and I ended up nearing pre-diabetes and a metabolic mess. So glad for better information both in lifestyle approach and tools. Thank you!

[therevddrruwanpalapathwala]

Thank you, Dr Westman. So, “ratio” is the magic word ☺️. My doctor has not interpreted my lipid profile this way. I know there’s much more to interpreting the lipid profile, but the advice you’d given in this short video is so valuable. In the next video, could you please say a little bit more about the protective properties and functions of LDL, provided the ratios are fine and the triglycerides are low. Thank you, again, to you and Glen.

[steph]

It's encouraging to hear there are now more accurate measures of CAD indicators. I wish my doc measured this way, by the ratios. I figure them out on my own. We have to take our health by the reins and wait for our providers to catch up.

[beverlyxango]

Thank you, Dr. Westman. I love these videos as they are easy to share the expertise of your years of clinician experience.

[ElsieDreamWorld]

I love the doctor’s explanations, but could you add some graphic explanations? Like the different formulas or calculations and values he’s talking about? Thanks

[davidsoper]

You need to do a better job with microphone placement. Weston is clear. The other speaker's voice has a lot of room echo. The microphone needs to be closer and/or have a more direct aim at the person speaking. Probably just closer.

[silviam]

Another fantastic video! Doc has a way of giving simple explanations of such a complex subject. 🙌 can’t wait for the course! Thanks Doc and Glen 😊

[Cocobean]

What is the conversion and ratio for Canadians?

[Baribrooks]

I was eager to check out the Mayo Clinic Decision Aid, but I quickly found that all three risk calculators said my input is out of range and therefore couldn’t compute risk. Seems pretty useless. :-/

[adorableadornments]

I am on keto, I have been on and off keto for a few years. I just got my blood work back and I calculated the HDL:triglyceride ratio and came up with 4.42. I see this is not good. Do I need to just keep lowering my carbs? I admit I seem to cheat a little too often. I feel more determined now to keep carbs low. How do I get the HDL up and the triglycerides down?

[ginastrickland]

I have a cac score of 9 and have been on 10 mg Lipitor for 5 years I am wanting to stop this med because Im having some memory problems and weakness. My doctor of course thinks I should not stop. I am doing keto so ldl is elevated but other cholesterol numbers are great. What do you recommend?

[maribelquesada]

I started to take the Mayo Clinic questionnaire I entered my HDL number 126, a note came up that the number should be between 20-100.
At my last physical My total was 300 Trig 75 LDL 159

[tombirney]

How do I find a "keto lipidologist" in my city? Can I pay outside my insurance for blood spot analysis of lipid profile?

[okay]

Clear as mud. A few charts and illustrations would be helpful