Confused about blood test results page 2

[john_e_turner_ii]

I have a question...why even have cholesterol measured? The typical sequence amongst primal followers seems to be:

1. Get cholesterol checked.
2. If numbers good by CW standards, credit primal
3. If numbers bad by CW standards, then find a way to make them good, and/or say that cholesterol is meaningless as a health flag anyway.

I think the test is ordered by MDs to decide whether to prescribe statins. Most people here don't seem willing to take statins.

So why test?

Exactly my thoughts. I had excellent numbers before going primal and would get smiley faces on my lab results from my doctor over the past 4-5 years. The last three tests I have had since going primal over the past year have seen my cholesterol numbers skyrocket with my doctor recommending me go back to my old diet or take statins.

It's contradictory to congratulate someone on their "good" lab results since going primal, but then to tell others that they don't matter. This is probably my biggest problem with this lifestyle. I feel better than ever, I am leaner than I have ever been, but I have these lab results hanging over my head. The only thing I can think to do is just say screw the labs, and just go on with life. If I have a heart attack or stroke, then I guess I just live with that as a consequence of making this decision.

[lizch]

I agree that LDL alone is not a good marker for health, but what about high LDL and CRP?

What about having perfect LDL/HDL/Trig and not knowing you have an inherited abnormality Lp(a)?

You can all feel comfortable in knowing you eat healthy, but if you have no basis (i.e. having the appropriate tests done to determine inherited markers) for your stance you're standing on a slippery slope.

We're all on a slippery slope to death, and all the lab tests in the world don't change that. I'm leaning more and more toward accepting that, treating my body as kindly as possible, living my life without stressing about what's going on inside me, and then dying.

With the lab tests you mention, what do you DO with the result? How do you live differently knowing results are out of range?

[ELCO14]

With the lab tests you mention, what do you DO with the result? How do you live differently knowing results are out of range?

To each their own Liz- I wanted to give a glimpse of both sides of the coin and to empower people that they have more control over their health than they think so to answer your question.

You can read up on all these results here

Lp(a): Extended Range

* Lp(a) is a corkscrew-shaped protein attached to some LDL particles
* High levels of Lp(a) can cause blood to clot too easily, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke
* Diet and exercise have limited to no effect on lowering Lp(a); however, certain medications can lower levels
* Lp(a) is inherited. Your family members may consider getting tested if your level is high

I feel you can lower this with the right supplements and not medication.

Apo(E) - ApoE Genotype

* ApoE is a genetic test that plays a role in helping to identify how people respond to different amounts of dietary fat. Your body's response to dietary fat impacts the formation of small or large LDL particles
* There are 3 apoE genotypes - apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4
* People with an apoE4 genotype have a greater risk for heart disease

If you have the E4 trait perhaps a full on primal diet of high fat may not be the best for you.

C-Reactive Protein-hs (CRP)

* High levels of CRP indicate inflammation within the body due to infection or tissue injury; it can also predict heart disease risk
* If both CRP and Lp-PLA2 levels are high, your risk for a heart attack or stroke is greatly increased

Coronary plaque isn't really an issue until you add the fuse to the bomb, in CRP. inflammation can be reduced by diet, but I believe people should have a starting basis to determine if they're lifestyle changes have any affect on any of the above genetic markers.

I choose to have all the information to determine my internal (not just external) health and others not so much. No side is wrong.

[lizch]

Hey, not suggesting you're wrong and I'm right. If you have a specific plan for what to do with the results, great. So many people on this forum seem to have lab tests and then try to discount whatever the results are. You're not doing that.

[ELCO14]

Hey, not suggesting you're wrong and I'm right. If you have a specific plan for what to do with the results, great. So many people on this forum seem to have lab tests and then try to discount whatever the results are. You're not doing that.

Never thought you were liz- sorry if my reply read that way.