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I went in for my annual physical last week, and my cholesterol levels were high for the 1st time. I'm 42, female and my BMI is 24.5.
My numbers were as follows:
Total Cholesterol 208
Triglycerides 67
HDL 62
LDL 133
My father had a bypass at age 51 (passed away the following year in an accident), and my mother currently takes statin medication.
My goal is to lose 10 lbs gradually. I've signed up for the cholesterol management class my doctor recommended. I currently don't eat a lot of red meat, use olive oil or canola oil for cooking, and take multi-vitamin and fish oil supplements. I do still occasionally use butter on toast. I'm trying to increase the amount of exercise I'm getting beyond just walking my dog. In terms of diet, I'm trying to increase my fiber intake and focus on lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies.
What else should I be doing? I'm trying to avoid having to go on a statin.
I have so-called high cholesterol. I probably always had it. Do I worry? Nope! Otherwise all is fine. I have no blockages.
You are aware, aren't you? that your liver makes most of your cholesterol. Only 20% is dietary, so if you are not eating it, it is all of your own making.
My brother as well as a friend used one of the high fibre drinks and it did lower their cholesterol numbers. Brother who had 2 heart attacks is now 80 years old.
I went in for my annual physical last week, and my cholesterol levels were high for the 1st time. I'm 42, female and my BMI is 24.5.
My numbers were as follows:
Total Cholesterol 208
Triglycerides 67
HDL 62
LDL 133
My father had a bypass at age 51 (passed away the following year in an accident), and my mother currently takes statin medication.
My goal is to lose 10 lbs gradually. I've signed up for the cholesterol management class my doctor recommended. I currently don't eat a lot of red meat, use olive oil or canola oil for cooking, and take multi-vitamin and fish oil supplements. I do still occasionally use butter on toast. I'm trying to increase the amount of exercise I'm getting beyond just walking my dog. In terms of diet, I'm trying to increase my fiber intake and focus on lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies.
What else should I be doing? I'm trying to avoid having to go on a statin.
Does your doctor want you to go on statins? I wonder why?
Those numbers you posted don't seem high to me--and the proportions seem good, too. If you divide your triglycerides (67) by your HDL (62) you get a ratio of 1.08. And according to this web site Better Know Your Triglyceride/HDL Ratio if You Want to Prevent a Heart Attack, a ratio under 2.0 is ideal. It would seem you're doing fine...check it out before you start taking statins...
I have so-called high cholesterol. I probably always had it. Do I worry? Nope! Otherwise all is fine. I have no blockages.
You are aware, aren't you? that your liver makes most of your cholesterol. Only 20% is dietary, so if you are not eating it, it is all of your own making.
My brother as well as a friend used one of the high fibre drinks and it did lower their cholesterol numbers. Brother who had 2 heart attacks is now 80 years old.
Agree. Even my own doctor told me the liver makes almost all our cholesterol, so if you don't eat it your liver will supply it. That is because we NEED our cholesterol. Mine runs high too, a lot higher than yours, OP. However it is normal for those in my lineage (Mediterranean origin). Also, my numbers would have been considered completely healthy and normal by the standards from a couple decades ago - every year the medical association seems to tweak and lower the numbers for what is "healthy" and put more of us on statins.
Healthy diet and exercise are the best avenues to having good health. I also agree that your numbers seem good to me, and you would be doing yourself harm to go on any statins. Even my own doctor isn't forcing the issue with me.
The doctor is giving me 6 months to bring it down on my own, and then she is going to re-test. I'm just nervous about how much I'm really going to be able to bring it down.
High doses of Vitamin B3 Niacin work to lower cholesterol, you should talk to your doctor about it, you will probably need about 1000mg daily, and yes initially you will get niacin flush.
The doctor is giving me 6 months to bring it down on my own, and then she is going to re-test. I'm just nervous about how much I'm really going to be able to bring it down.
I really don't want to go on the statin.
you do know you don't have to do what your doctor wants you to do. Right?
If you don't want to go on the statin or any medication a doctor prescribes-just don't do it.
They can make recommendations and prescribe things but more often than not I tell my doc I'm not going to take x,y or z
The doctor is giving me 6 months to bring it down on my own, and then she is going to re-test. I'm just nervous about how much I'm really going to be able to bring it down.
I really don't want to go on the statin.
As long as you're making progress with your numbers, I'd avoid the statins. You can't expect perfect numbers in 6 mths, but with diet and excerise you'll see a change.
Good luck..you can do this
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