Any chnace you are able to get a more comprehensive blood test? One that shows LDL particle size as opposed to just overall LDL? Theres alot of contradictory evidence surrounding overall LDL: heres some articles + studies;
Johns Hopkins: Heart Health on LDL cholesterol particle size: Special Reports
Doctors know that small, dense LDL-particles are a better predictor of CVD:
LDL Particle Number and Risk of Future Cardio... [J Clin Lipidol. 2007] - PubMed - NCBI
and that the risk of small dense particles increases with an increased in triglycerides:
Change in LDL particle size is associate... [Arterioscler Thromb. 1992] - PubMed - NCBI
LDL-C and total cholesterol have never been particularly good predictors of who will develop clogged arteries. However, total cholesterol strongly correlates with all cause mortality risk. For example, as total cholesterol rises above 240, there appears to be some increased risk for cardiovascular disease. As total cholesterol drops below 200 there is a steep rise in mortality from infections, parasites, and cancers and increased risk of violent death.
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/O-Primitivo-Cholesterol.jpg
Unfortunately, last I heard, the American Heart Association was still recommending that total cholesterol be artificially depressed below 200 to decrease risk of heart attack.
theheart.org: trusted cardiology news and opinions
Yet researchers at Texas A&M university found that higher LDL levels predicted greater gains in muscle mass in a strength training study involving 60 to 69-year-old males.
'Bad' cholesterol not as bad as people think, shows Texas A&M study
Hopefully, the LDL particle size issue will help exonerate total cholesterol and get saturated fats off the hook for heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol – Ron Krauss MD | Me and My Diabetes After all, saturated fats have very little effect on total cholesterol compared to other dietary factors.
theheart.org: trusted cardiology news and opinions
HDL could be higher though, but it is only just outside the reference range.