Somewhere I saw a post for an alternative expression for calculating LDL when triglycerids are under 100 -- but now I can't find it :-(

Would some one point me to the link or repost it? Thanks! (and any reference to where it came from would be great too!)

best,
m

You had an NMR test done, right? It's counted directly, not calculated.

The first stickied post in the forum has info about recalculating your LDL if you have very low triglycerides.

Thanks! the NMR form says that LDL-C is calculated, so sounds like it was not directly measured.

Just checked the numbers and the expression

LDL = TC - HDL - (TG/5) = 251.8

does give what is reported on my NMR for LDL-C
Using the alternative expression for low TRI, below 100 mg/dL. (mine are 37-46)

LDL = TC/1.19 + TG/1.9 - HDL/1.1 - 38

I get LDL-C is 199.4 for my June reading , 182 for my April reading and 168 for my November reading (which was prior to my starting a BP measurement) The endo changed my BP as he said that my current Rx can increase cholesterol (why did my GP prescribe that when she is worried about cholesterol in the first place!) I am going to wait and see what happens with more weight loss, exercise and the new BP before continuing the statin discussion!

You probably have something like particle count or something with the word particle in it. That's be the directly measured LDL. It'll be something like 1200 or there abouts. Drop the last digit and it'll be what your LDL-C should be, if the Friedewald calculation worked correctly.

It's absurd to take statins if you're a woman. There's never been any proof they do anything in women.

Read this: Do Cholesterol Drugs Do Any Good?

Here's another site with good stuff to read: http://thincs.org

And look up Malcolm Kendrick's lectures on Youtube

What's BP stand for?

Thanks Nancy!

My June particle count was 2016 -> LDL-C of 201.6 (very close to the alternative formula and well within measurement variability)

BP = Blood Pressure. I had preeclampsia when pregnant, and it has not really gotten under control with diet & exercise; I had been taking a diuretic for that as it was the safest course with breastfeeding. Just weaned the twins, so that I could start the lisinopril (I was ready for the change anyway) so hoping the particle count will start to go back down and that the increase was more due to the diuretic rather than familial hypercholesterolemia or other genetic cause. That seems to be the only subgroup where women have benefited from low dose statins, but I am still skeptical given my high HDL and low TRI levels.

Will read the links you posted. Thanks!!!