Monitoring LDL and HDL
Doctors will monitor the LDL and HDL of many of their patients, especially the ones who are at risk for cholesterol-related health complications (see Risks associated with HDL and LDL). But why do they do this?
One reason is to track changes in LDL and HDL levels. Doctors may want to know if your LDL and/or HDL levels are increasing, decreasing, or staying the same over time. This can help them tell if perscribed medications, diet plans, or lifestyle changes are working, doing nothing, or just making things worse. Additionally, if they notice that your LDL or HDL levels are too high, but are dropping, they may not take as drastic of actions. Alternatively, if they notice that your LDL or HDL levels are too high, and are rising, they may want to take more immediate action against it.
One reason is to track changes in LDL and HDL levels. Doctors may want to know if your LDL and/or HDL levels are increasing, decreasing, or staying the same over time. This can help them tell if perscribed medications, diet plans, or lifestyle changes are working, doing nothing, or just making things worse. Additionally, if they notice that your LDL or HDL levels are too high, but are dropping, they may not take as drastic of actions. Alternatively, if they notice that your LDL or HDL levels are too high, and are rising, they may want to take more immediate action against it.