Cholesterol levels: LDL 122, HDL 38 and total 181,?

and my Doctor still wants to put me on meds are my levels that bad?

No, they are not that bad yet. The LDL is a little high; it should be around 100. The total is good, but should not get above 200. The HDL is pretty low. It needs to get at least to 45, and the higher the better. Some lucky people have HDL in the 70s and 80s. They will live long, healthy lives. There is medication that will correct all this, along with dietary changes and other lifestyle changes, like exercising and losing weight. I would not hesitate to go on these meds if your doctor recommends it. You don't have to stay on them for life. Good luck. Suggestion: Eat oatmeal every day.

A good rule to follow is that any "total" cholesterol reading below 200 is good and anything over 240 indicates that you are at risk for developing coronary disease. In addition, your LDL cholesterol should measure below 130 and your HDL cholesterol should range between 35 and 40. When the HDL, or "good" cholesterol, reaches 60 or higher, you actually have the benefit of reducing your chance of heart attack.

check the site for the site of normal cholesterol level

Im working in cardiac department, i can give you an advise.
Your LDL is not that high, it should be under 100 for normal range. But as long as you dont exceed 150, you should be okay.
Your HDL are low. It should be more than 40 for normal range.
How old are you?Are you overweight? and are you a smoker, drinker or have family history of heart disease?

Stop the bad habit, control your food by cutting down fatty friedfoods and high calories foods, and exercise regularly.
Exercise BRING UP ur HDL level. Thats the ONLY WAY to bring up ur HDL (good cholesterol level). Start with walking and jogging or swimming, thats the best exercise.

You can tell your doctor/cardiologist to give you 3 months to improve your cholesterol level. Stop the bad habit, the bad oily food and start exercising. If your cholesterol level improve compared wit this result and you can maintain the level, you are not necessarily have to take medication.

Cholesterol medication is for life- unless you are a smoker/dinker/has family history of heart disease hence consider as 'high risk of heart disease', you can try to improve your diet and lifestye first.
All the best

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