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Health insurance nurse warned of doctor appt for (potential) erroneous interpretation

Posted on 12/7/21 at 1:04 pm
Posted by StringedInstruments
Member since Oct 2013
20915 posts
Posted on 12/7/21 at 1:04 pm
Just had my annual health screening at work for health insurance purposes. Here’s my breakdown:

Blood pressure: 104/55
Total cholesterol: 248
HDL cholesterol: 60
LDL cholesterol: 178
Triglycerides: 48

She said if my total cholesterol read 250+, she would have to write me a referral to a doctor. When I asked what would happen if I didn’t go, she said they could drop my coverage. She then read me a script about the dangers of my cholesterol levels.

But doing some research on my own, it looks like my numbers may represent healthy levels.

A Healthline article claims that low triglycerides and high HDL may inflate the LDL number. Healthy fats tend to make the LDL particles larger leading to a higher score.

Another article I read said that the formula labs use for cholesterol levels will over-inflate LDL-C levels if your triglycerides are low.

Just seems concerning to me that she has the power to force me to the doctor and potentially lose my health insurance over numbers that most likely don’t reflect the accuracy of my cholesterol levels.
Posted by AUCE05
Member since Dec 2009
45374 posts
Posted on 12/8/21 at 9:44 am to
You need to go to a Dr. Don't trust what you read on the internet. You may be fine. You may have another issue that is throwing your numbers off. Let someone who is an expert on the subject check it out.
Posted by Macavity92
Member since Dec 2004
6349 posts
Posted on 12/15/21 at 9:04 pm to
LDL is a calculated value. The higher the HDL the more unreliable the calculation is. That said, you should see a doctor and ask for a lipid particle test. It is a much better evaluation of any risks you have.
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