I have been eating relatively low carbs for many years (although I drink wine regularly) but I need to lose some weight so started v low carbs 6 weeks ago and dropped the wine. I remembered that my cholesterol results mid last year where a bit high and I take blood pressure medication so I started reading about LC in relation to cholesterol and ended up here. Lots of great, useful information, thank-you all. I asked the doc to email me the last blood results and I probably have fairly typical LC readings:

TC 264
HDL 61
LDL (Direct) 166
VLDL (by calc) 37
Trigs 70

I am confused by the LDL direct and the VLDL by calc. I thought the LDL was calculated?

My doctor wanted to put me on drugs for the cholesterol but told me to go home, eat less cheese, and come back in 6 mths. Haven't been back but will go next month to see the latest results.

Whilst I am eating low carbs I am not eating butter, much oil, and only really the fat in meat and fish which is generally lean. It will be interesting to see how that effects the levels on my next test.

I had asked the doc to look at Thyroid which she told me was all ok but now I look at the results I can't see any test for that. The other items I have results for are: Alkaline Phosphatase,, Bilirubin. Protein, Albumin, globulin, SCOT/AST, SGPT/ALT, Gamma GT, Uric Acid, Glucose, CReatinine. I don't think any of those relate to Thyroid??? Please let me know if I am wrong. All but one were in range according to the doc.

The one item that I'm surprised she didn't discuss was Glucose which was 104 (5.8) which I thought was highish. Could the wine drinking have effected this result?

I'm 47, walk 2 hours per day, weigh 165 height 5 3. Have lost 11pounds since starting the strict low carb diet.

I am wondering if I should order a VAP test re the relatively high LDL.

I would be grateful for your thoughts.

Generally, cholesterol levels are a genetic thing. You actually produce the cholesterol that you have. It is possible to elevate your cholesterol levels via diet, but it is not a direct as one might think. Also, high cholesterol is not a direct connection to any issues.


I have heard that switching to LC sometimes causes jumps in cholesterol levels.

As with any measurement, one data point could be an aberration. Hence a reasonable response of your doctor to say wait 6 months and try again.


LDL levels are associated with heart disease, etc. They are also genetic and good is less than 100. However, there appears to be a particle size concern with LDL. The big "fluffy" ones are OK, no matter the amount; the "dense" ones are bad. (I think I have that correct). There is a test for determining that.


Remember, these are indicators of possible issues. They are not a disease themselves.

The important number in cholesterol is triglycerides. They should be under 100; at 70, you look great! Mine, last time, was 67.

My total cholesterol is also where yours are, but my doctor knows I low carb and he says that bumps up the numbers.

You know the guy who came up with the "cholesterol theory" and the Mediterranean diet falsified his results? He had 22 countries, but only picked the 7 that fit his theory.

Ever since I found THAT out, I don't care about cholesterol. And you can have that same freedom.