Comments on: The Curious Case of HDL Cholesterol http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol Healthy Eating Tips for Foodies Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:47:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Diane http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-3342 Diane Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:07:03 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-3342 My HDL is 127. Big particles too. I have low inflammation. I'm a 59 year old female. Big deal. I just found out I have aorta plaque with a bit of leakage, but a very strong heart. I was told I don't have a cardiac problem. At least 85% of people over 50 have plaque somewhere in their bodies! I don't think we were meant to live longer then 50 generally. Just the act of eating and breathing will give you inflammation, and we need both, so we're doomed. My HDL is 127. Big particles too. I have low inflammation. I’m a 59 year old female. Big deal. I just found out I have aorta plaque with a bit of leakage, but a very strong heart. I was told I don’t have a cardiac problem. At least 85% of people over 50 have plaque somewhere in their bodies! I don’t think we were meant to live longer then 50 generally. Just the act of eating and breathing will give you inflammation, and we need both, so we’re doomed.

]]> By: Darya Pino http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1091 Darya Pino Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:33:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1091 <b>@Matt<br/><br/>Interesting perspective. I guess I am not as cynical about science funding. In my experience good research gets paid for eventually.<br/><br/>Would love to sit and chat one day. You're a character :)<br/><br/>Watching the game vs Toronto it is obvious that if he hadn't scored like that, the Lakers would have lost the game. There was no other Lakers back then. Things are different now.<br/><br/></b> @Matt

Interesting perspective. I guess I am not as cynical about science funding. In my experience good research gets paid for eventually.

Would love to sit and chat one day. You’re a character :)

Watching the game vs Toronto it is obvious that if he hadn’t scored like that, the Lakers would have lost the game. There was no other Lakers back then. Things are different now.

]]> By: Matt Shook http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1082 Matt Shook Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:05:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1082 @Darya<br/><br/>I agree that if you're a 65 year-old with high cholesterol and an unhealthy diet, statins can prolong your life. The thing that irks me is that some doctors are prescribing statins as "preventative" medicine to young folks. This is really bad news to me...<br/><br/>I understand your POV and why you are skeptical of most opinions regarding prescription meds that do not have well-researched (and well-funded) studies to back them up. However, I also believe most research critical of pharmaceuticals will never transpire due to financial obstacles.<br/><br/>I think we could go back and forth forever about this...we'll have to battle it out if we're ever in OC at the same time.<br/><br/>---------------------------------<br/><br/>I was aware of the eighty-one bomb he dropped on Toronto...that was nifty and all, but it told me he needs to learn how to share the ball. ;)<br/><br/>I've fancied "81" ever since I developed a man-crush for <a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haivmpHTOHM" REL="nofollow">this guy's</a> hockey skills back in the '90s. @Darya

I agree that if you’re a 65 year-old with high cholesterol and an unhealthy diet, statins can prolong your life. The thing that irks me is that some doctors are prescribing statins as “preventative” medicine to young folks. This is really bad news to me…

I understand your POV and why you are skeptical of most opinions regarding prescription meds that do not have well-researched (and well-funded) studies to back them up. However, I also believe most research critical of pharmaceuticals will never transpire due to financial obstacles.

I think we could go back and forth forever about this…we’ll have to battle it out if we’re ever in OC at the same time.

———————————

I was aware of the eighty-one bomb he dropped on Toronto…that was nifty and all, but it told me he needs to learn how to share the ball. ;)

I’ve fancied “81″ ever since I developed a man-crush for this guy’s hockey skills back in the ’90s.

]]> By: Darya Pino http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1081 Darya Pino Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1081 <b>@Matt<br/><br/>I read a study today that statins may protect against Alzheimer's disease. There are positive and negative sides (disagreeing studies) in pretty much everything health-related, largely because of human variability and differences in experimental design. <br/><br/>How we interpret these discrepancies is largely determined by where we are coming from. I try my best to base my opinions on evidence and rely on my training to do this fairly (there are certain warning signs of bad science I have learned to view with skepticism). <br/><br/>But I am aware it is silly to pretend I am 100% impartial. <br/><br/>I interpret new findings in the light of things I already know (or think I know), but I am happy to admit my bias that stems from the research I have done. And I appreciate when readers like you challenge it.<br/><br/>In general I have seen more positive studies about statins (especially lately) than negative ones. I am not 100% sold, but in my opinion there are worse alternatives.<br/><br/>I am with you in being wary of relying on pills to treat a medical ailment that can so easily be treated with food. But not 100% of heart disease cases can be treated with food. For those people, statins could save their lives.<br/><br/>And if that is true, it is a wonderful thing.<br/><br/>-<br/><br/>81 is the number of points Kobe dropped on Toronto a few years back. In case you can't tell, I have a bit of a crush on him and his awesomeness.<br/><br/></b> @Matt

I read a study today that statins may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. There are positive and negative sides (disagreeing studies) in pretty much everything health-related, largely because of human variability and differences in experimental design.

How we interpret these discrepancies is largely determined by where we are coming from. I try my best to base my opinions on evidence and rely on my training to do this fairly (there are certain warning signs of bad science I have learned to view with skepticism).

But I am aware it is silly to pretend I am 100% impartial.

I interpret new findings in the light of things I already know (or think I know), but I am happy to admit my bias that stems from the research I have done. And I appreciate when readers like you challenge it.

In general I have seen more positive studies about statins (especially lately) than negative ones. I am not 100% sold, but in my opinion there are worse alternatives.

I am with you in being wary of relying on pills to treat a medical ailment that can so easily be treated with food. But not 100% of heart disease cases can be treated with food. For those people, statins could save their lives.

And if that is true, it is a wonderful thing.

-

81 is the number of points Kobe dropped on Toronto a few years back. In case you can’t tell, I have a bit of a crush on him and his awesomeness.

]]> By: Anonymous http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1079 Anonymous Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:01:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1079 Funny how all I knew growing up was that cholesterol is bad, and thats why I can't have more than 2 eggs at a time; I love eggs now, and eat the yolks with no worries! Funny how all I knew growing up was that cholesterol is bad, and thats why I can’t have more than 2 eggs at a time; I love eggs now, and eat the yolks with no worries!

]]> By: Matt Shook http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1077 Matt Shook Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:03:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1077 @Darya<br/><br/>Statins are somewhat effective at helping people with high cholesterol avoid heart attacks, but that does not mean they improve their quality of life.<br/><br/>I have gathered most of my understanding from talking with friends and relatives who are fairly well versed on the subject. Here's a few articles...<a HREF="http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/health/01-09Golomb.asp" REL="nofollow">UC San Diego has a fairly large statin study underway</a>. A <a HREF="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/health/29well.html?_r=1" REL="nofollow">New York Times report as well</a>...<br/><br/>I'll post more about the more links relating to the serious side effects once I locate them again...<br/><br/>----------------------------------<br/><br/>Is 81 really your favorite number too? Why?<br/><br/>It was a nasty spill...really sucks since it was a blow out and there was only a few seconds left in the quarter. @Darya

Statins are somewhat effective at helping people with high cholesterol avoid heart attacks, but that does not mean they improve their quality of life.

I have gathered most of my understanding from talking with friends and relatives who are fairly well versed on the subject. Here’s a few articles…UC San Diego has a fairly large statin study underway. A New York Times report as well…

I’ll post more about the more links relating to the serious side effects once I locate them again…

———————————-

Is 81 really your favorite number too? Why?

It was a nasty spill…really sucks since it was a blow out and there was only a few seconds left in the quarter.

]]> By: Darya Pino http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1072 Darya Pino Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:14:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1072 <b>@Matt<br/><br/>I haven't heard much bad news about statins. My understanding is that they are among the most successful drugs ever created. I would be interested in more data if you have it.<br/><br/>81 is my favorite number too. Also probably Kobe's ;)<br/><br/>But kidding aside, I was really confused and saddened by that incident. I'm still not really sure how that all happened, but I hope to never see anything like it again.<br/><br/></b> @Matt

I haven’t heard much bad news about statins. My understanding is that they are among the most successful drugs ever created. I would be interested in more data if you have it.

81 is my favorite number too. Also probably Kobe’s ;)

But kidding aside, I was really confused and saddened by that incident. I’m still not really sure how that all happened, but I hope to never see anything like it again.

]]> By: Matt Shook http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1047 Matt Shook Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:40:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1047 @Darya<br/><br/>I've heard statins are effective for short-term treatments with few side effects. However, if you are planning on using the drug long-term then you can expect some serious side effects after six months. I'm not a medical professional, but what I've read and heard about statins from NDs is not promising...<br/><br/>I was going to say 81 (my favorite number actually), guess I should have gone with my gut feeling. ;)<br/><br/>Speaking of feelings, I think I have will harbor some pretty hard feelings for you and my bro after <a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHS5UgG2UgI" REL="nofollow">this crap...</a>you should be ashamed of yourselves...;) @Darya

I’ve heard statins are effective for short-term treatments with few side effects. However, if you are planning on using the drug long-term then you can expect some serious side effects after six months. I’m not a medical professional, but what I’ve read and heard about statins from NDs is not promising…

I was going to say 81 (my favorite number actually), guess I should have gone with my gut feeling. ;)

Speaking of feelings, I think I have will harbor some pretty hard feelings for you and my bro after this crap…you should be ashamed of yourselves…;)

]]> By: Darya Pino http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1046 Darya Pino Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:03:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1046 <b>@Matt<br/><br/>Statins aren't perfect, but they are still one of the most effective drugs with relatively minor side effects. Some people are not able to control cholesterol with diet (though the vast majority of people can).<br/><br/>Great guess!! Last time I had it checked (~1 yr ago) I was at 81 mg/dL. My doctor told me to never come back ;)<br/><br/>-----<br/>@Mike<br/><br/>HDL <i>does</i> reverse aging. I got mine tested because I was curious. It is weird how resistant doctors are to doing the test. But once my dad had a stroke at a young age (~55) they allowed it.<br/><br/>-----<br/>@Zachary<br/><br/>Great question. For HDL cholesterol, as I mention in the post, greater than 60 mg/dL may reduce your risk of heart disease. Lower than 40 mg/dL increases risk.<br/><br/>For LDL cholesterol, there is more debate. The accepted "cutoff" is 130 mg/dL, but there are some scientists who believe your total cholesterol should be under 150 mg/dL. You certainly want to keep total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL.<br/><br/>Yes, you need blood work to get it tested. <br/><br/>Diet has a tremendous impact on both kinds of cholesterol. Cutting out saturated fat, reducing calories and lowering your weight will improve LDL. But if this happens on a "low fat" diet (<20% calories from fat--fat replaced with carbohydrates), HDL will also decrease. This is bad. <br/><br/>Maintain high HDL while improving LDL by eating good mono and polyunsaturated fats. Replace both saturated fat and refined carbohydrates in your diet with healthy fats, vegetable protein and whole grains.<br/><br/>-----<br/>@Anon<br/><br/>I love organic chemistry :)<br/><br/></b> @Matt

Statins aren’t perfect, but they are still one of the most effective drugs with relatively minor side effects. Some people are not able to control cholesterol with diet (though the vast majority of people can).

Great guess!! Last time I had it checked (~1 yr ago) I was at 81 mg/dL. My doctor told me to never come back ;)

—–
@Mike

HDL does reverse aging. I got mine tested because I was curious. It is weird how resistant doctors are to doing the test. But once my dad had a stroke at a young age (~55) they allowed it.

—–
@Zachary

Great question. For HDL cholesterol, as I mention in the post, greater than 60 mg/dL may reduce your risk of heart disease. Lower than 40 mg/dL increases risk.

For LDL cholesterol, there is more debate. The accepted "cutoff" is 130 mg/dL, but there are some scientists who believe your total cholesterol should be under 150 mg/dL. You certainly want to keep total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL.

Yes, you need blood work to get it tested.

Diet has a tremendous impact on both kinds of cholesterol. Cutting out saturated fat, reducing calories and lowering your weight will improve LDL. But if this happens on a "low fat" diet (<20% calories from fat–fat replaced with carbohydrates), HDL will also decrease. This is bad.

Maintain high HDL while improving LDL by eating good mono and polyunsaturated fats. Replace both saturated fat and refined carbohydrates in your diet with healthy fats, vegetable protein and whole grains.

—–
@Anon

I love organic chemistry :)

]]> By: Anonymous http://summertomato.com/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/comment-page-1/#comment-1045 Anonymous Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:39:00 +0000 http://summertomato.com/uncategorized/the-curious-case-of-hdl-cholesterol/#comment-1045 Eeeew! Took one look at your pic and it reminded me of organic chemistry.... Eeeew! Took one look at your pic and it reminded me of organic chemistry….

]]>