Cholesterol levels and liver function

I found this on a MD web forum. The board certified doctor who apparently wrote this mentions several times about the function of the liver and kidneys with regard abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood. I included the link at the bottom for the source of the following information.

Answer Posted By: Forum-M.D.-DT on Sunday, May 26, 2002

Thank you for visiting the family practice forum.

Lets see if I can't help shed some light on these test results.

Triglycerides 276 - This is ABOVE the normal range (40-200). Causes for this include certain types of hyperlipidemias (familial), liver or kidney problems or this may also be increased due to alcohol intake.

HDL 22 - The normal range in males is 33-57. Some males have a 'normally' low HDL. Other possibilities include liver or kidney problems or obesity.

LDL 50 - The normal range is 110-200. Possible causes for a LOW LDL include liver disease and malnutrition or problems with adequate food absorption in the intestinal tract.

Cholesterol 128 - The normal range is 130-200. Your level is slightly below the bottom of the normal range. Malnutrition, liver or kidney problems (including hepatitis) or steroid use may cause a decrease in the normal cholesterol level.

% lymphocytes (LYM) 17.5 - You mention the "CBC" is normal which tells me that the TOTAL number of white blood cells is normal. The abnormality is in the % of LYMs.
Causes for a decreased % of lymphcytes include some kidney problems and other viral illnesses. In 22% of the population the % lymphocyte count is NORMALLY below the normal range (normal range is 24-44%).

Overall, if you came to my office for me to review the findings above, I would suggest a blood test to check for liver and kidney function, a urinalysis and I would review your alcohol intake as well as any other medications you may be taking which could cause the abnormalities above. (i.e. steroids, etc). Also, a check of your "albumin" and "protein" levels may be in order to insure that you do not have a problem with the absorption of the foods you eat through the intestinal tract.

You may want to share this information with your doctor.

Reference: Clinicians Pocket Reference 6th addition.

Source of cholesterol levels and liver and kidney function.