OpenHealth Q&A

It’s understandable to be concerned about your HDL cholesterol and glucose levels, especially given the symptoms of dizziness and nausea you are experiencing. Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening and some steps you can take.

Main Points

• Low HDL levels can increase cardiovascular risk, and low glucose levels may lead to symptoms like dizziness and nausea.
• Lifestyle factors and medications might be contributing to these levels.
• Monitoring your symptoms and adjusting your diet may help improve your HDL and stabilize glucose levels.

Explanation

Low HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Levels below 40 mg/dL are considered low for women, and yours are concerning, especially since HDL is protective against heart disease. Low HDL can result from factors such as genetics, inactivity, smoking, or diet, although your active lifestyle and healthy diet are positive factors.

Low Glucose Levels: A glucose level of 69 mg/dL is on the lower side of normal (70-99 mg/dL). While some people can feel fine at lower levels, symptoms like dizziness and nausea indicate that your body might be reacting to these drops. Low glucose can stem from prolonged fasting, certain medications, or an imbalance in diet, particularly if you have fluctuating carbohydrate intake.

Both the medications you are taking (birth control, Focalin, and propranolol) can affect cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Propranolol, for example, can influence lipid metabolism and may occasionally lead to lower glucose levels.

Next Steps

1. Dietary Review:

   • Increase healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which can help boost HDL levels.
   • Ensure you have regular meals and snacks to maintain stable glucose levels. Aim for a balanced intake of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

2. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep a record of your symptoms, noting when you feel dizzy or nauseous, and correlate these with your eating patterns, activity levels, and medication timing.

3. Exercise Consistency:

   • Continue your exercise routine, but consider incorporating more aerobic activities like running or cycling, which can sometimes help raise HDL levels more effectively.

4. Hydration and Electrolytes:

   • Stay well-hydrated and consider electrolytes if sweating significantly during workouts, as fluctuations can affect your overall well-being.

5. Medication Review:

   • Since medications can impact both HDL and glucose, discuss this with the doctor who prescribed them. They might be able to adjust doses or explore alternatives if needed.

6. Follow-Up Testing:

   • It might be helpful to have follow-up blood tests to monitor your HDL and glucose levels more regularly, especially given your symptoms.

By following these steps, you may see improvement in your HDL and glucose levels while also gaining a better understanding of what’s contributing to your symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, please seek professional medical guidance for a comprehensive evaluation.