I had some follow-up lab work done from my previous visit, and here are the results:

  • Total cholesterol: 185 (normal range 140-200, down -11 from 196)
  • Triglycerides: 108 (normal range 35-160, down -8 from 116)
  • HDL (good cholesterol): 37 (min. 40, up +2 from 35)
  • LDL (bad cholesterol): 127 (normal range, 80-130, down -11 from 138, hypertension range 80-100)

The total cholesterol looks better, but the HDL and LDL numbers still aren't quite what they should be. The LDL number was previously out of range for a person in normal health, but since I have hypertension, that number ought to be lower. The HDL number went up but not high enough. So in addition to the aspirin, my doctor is prescribing another medicine. And yes, the exercise regimen will continue (not that I was going to stop.)

I'll go in for another check in another three months.