Had a physical the other day...

**CoffeeFan** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 5:40pm

It's been at least 7 years since I actually went to a doctor's office for the specific purpose of getting a physical and having blood work done. Generally I only go if I notice a problem, but since my family has a huge history of heart disease and cancer, I figured it might be a good idea to get an idea of where I stand especially with heart disease. Figured I would write about it and get some feedback, if you have any, or get people to talk about their health status in general

First thing they tested was my blood pressure, which was 124 / 82, and resting heart rate which was 54 bpm (nurse thought he had made a mistake the first time). So far looking good, I used to have higher BP but have been getting a lot more cardio in the last few years and am eating considerably healthier; huzzah for preventative medicine!

Next they did my height and weight, 5’6 1/2 and 195 Ibs. The doctor tells me that while I have a considerable amount of muscle mass, having more mass (fat and/or muscle) can lead to heart disease. He recommends I consider losing some weight and try to tone up a bit when lifting.

Testicular cancer test was fine; yay for healthy balls.

Next came my lipid profile. Here’s a good link which explains what I'm talking about if you have never read anything on it.

Total Blood Cholesterol: 163 mg/dL (200 mg/dL optimal)
LDL Cholesterol (bad): 110 mg/dL (less then 100 mg/dL optimal)
HDL Cholesterol (good): 38 mg/dL (above 40 mg/dL is optimal)
Triglycerides: 73 mg/dL (bellow 150 mg/dL is optimal)

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the results. Doing great with my total cholesterol and my triglycerides level is rocking! I'm disappointed that my HDL isn't higher since I've been taking salmon oil capsules for a year or so. Will try to include more veggies and fruits in my diet, cut out some of the meat and try to lose a bit in the stomach area.

Any advice and comments are welcome

**gameness** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 5:55pm

How old are you?

**CoffeeFan** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:12pm

26 years old

**PirateJon** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:17pm

Advice:
No hormone profile? For next time, even if they're not covered by insurance, it's pretty cheap to add to any existing bloodwork.

Comment:
He's a **** for telling you to "tone up". Hate that phrase.

**gameness** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:18pm

why is his doc a **** for telling him to "tone"?

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:22pm

CoffeeFan,

Unfortunately, low HDL is genetic. Since you are already very physically active, there is only so much you can do to raise it significantly. Your best bet is to eliminate trans fatty acids from your diet as much as possible. (And yes, consider whether you should drop mass.)

Now, more importantly:

With your risk factors, you should NOT BE HAPPY with your results, for three reasons:

1) Your Blood pressure is still too high. Increased risk starts at 115/75 mm Hg and doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg

2) Your LDL is still too high.

3) Your doctor did not test cholesterol with the more comprehensive VAP test, nor did you get a test for C-Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen, or homo-cysteine (though it's possible you just didn't mention these).

Everything you list is fine if you don't have risk factors. But, since you do, you should be more pro-active with this than your typical General Practitioner will be on his/her own.

**HappyOldGuy** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:24pm

At your age and level of fitness, that HDL and LDL are a big blinking red light. Nothing you need to worry about for several years, but they will be an issue in your future.

**CoffeeFan** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:27pm

Originally Posted by PirateJon

Advice:
No hormone profile? For next time, even if they're not covered by insurance, it's pretty cheap to add to any existing bloodwork.

Comment:
He's a **** for telling you to "tone up". Hate that phrase.

eh, what are you going to do. Out of curiosity, what does a hormone profile consist of and why do you recomend it?

**CoffeeFan** · Posted On: 1/17/2008 6:43pm

CoffeeFan,

Unfortunately, low HDL is genetic. Since you are already very physically active, there is only so much you can do to raise it significantly. Your best bet is to eliminate trans fatty acids from your diet as much as possible. (And yes, consider whether you should drop mass.)

TK, first of all thank you for the response. I will have to evaluate my diet a bit and consider getting protien from supplimentation and sources other then meat. Already working on droping weight

With your risk factors, you should NOT BE HAPPY with your results, for three reasons:

1) Your Blood pressure is still too high. Increased risk starts at 115/75 mm Hg and doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg

2) Your LDL is still too high.

3) Your doctor did not test cholesterol with the more comprehensive VAP test, nor did you get a test for C-Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen, or homo-cysteine (though it's possible you just didn't mention these).

I'm happier it's not worse then it is TK. Granted I will be working very hard on lowering my BP and LDL, I'm more pleased due to a) my sister had much higher levels when she was my age b) I'm sure my profile was MUCH worse when I was 18 and c) my BP and RHR have progressivly been going down these last few years. I'm sure I can make improvements from here.

As for the VAP test, I only went with what the nurse told me over the phone today. I will request a copy of the test and ask them about getting a more complete test done.

Everything you list is fine if you don't have risk factors. But, since you do, you should be more pro-active with this than your typical General Practitioner will be on his/her own

How would you recomend I be more pro-active