Blood results update as promised

[ianf0ster]

Hi @ianf0ster,

As @Rachox has pointed out, LDL usually isn't measured, but calculated on total, HDL and trigs. Most often the Friedewald equation is used, which deducts HDL and trigs (divided by 2.2) from the total. Other formulas exist and might lead to slightly different results (but won't be way off).

However, in @Swiggy 's case the total is 4.5 mmol and HDL is 4.1 mmol, leaving a maximum of 0.4 mmol for LDL, no matter which formula is used. The number reported for LDL was 3.1 mmol, though, so it's way off. Possibly someone at the lab or at the GP's practice entered the data incorrectly. For example, if HDL in fact had been 1.1 mmol (instead of 4.1), the other numbers would work out. Unfortunately, there is no way of really knowing.

The actually happened to me at once too when LDL was given as 148 mg/dl instead of 138 mg/dl -- a typo easily made.

Hi,
I'm not sure why you posted this response. I am aware of the 2 different equations. But I also know that in the UK it is the Freidwald one which is used. Thus I was plugging my numbers into that Freidwald equation and based upon my most recent 2 Lipid tests my LDL ( the only part which is derived from the calculation) was way off what the lab result said ( as reported by my GP).
So either mis-transcribing is quite common.
Or the lab was not using the Freidwald equation
Or the error was made by the lab - but then which figure is wrong? - My Total Chol, my HDL, or my Triglycerides?

 

[ziggy_w]

Hi,
I'm not sure why you posted this response. I am aware of the 2 different equations. But I also know that in the UK it is the Freidwald one which is used. Thus I was plugging my numbers into that Freidwald equation and based upon my most recent 2 Lipid tests my LDL ( the only part which is derived from the calculation) was way off what the lab result said ( as reported by my GP).
So either mis-transcribing is quite common.
Or the lab was not using the Freidwald equation
Or the error was made by the lab - but then which figure is wrong? - My Total Chol, my HDL, or my Triglycerides?

Hi @ianf0ster,

Sorry for the confusion. My explanation was based on the OP's numbers.

When you enter your total cholesterol, HDL and trigs from August into the calculator, the calculated LDL is actually very close to the one you report. You are right though, your numbers from April don't add up -- it's hard to say why not. Either total should be higher, or HDL/LDL/trigs lower.