Cholesterol Issues Question

[Bostonj]

Hi,

I recently had a routine physical (first time in a few years) and my cholesterol was through the roof

LDL 188

Overall 260

I had a few questions as I am in full panic mode.

1) I had a few beers the night before the test and buffalo chicken pizza (11 hours before test) following a week of hot dogs, burgers and sausage. Would that be a factor in the increase the numbers that significantly?

2) I am 38 with such number if true I am going to have a heart attack or stroke in coming any insight would be great!

[Dixie9326]

if you continue with such a high fat diet and poor food choices your numbers will continue to climb. One good factor is that you’re young enough to change the direction of your health concerns. Seeing a nutritionist would be a first good step. Talk to your Physician about your numbers and his recommendations that could help you change your food choices… It’s all up to you and how serious you are to want to change to healthier eating habits! Good luck

[b1b1b1]

I am not a doctor, but my guess is that one week of poor eating habits would not be enough to cause a huge increase in cholesterol. I suspect your eating habits have not been great for a while. You need to adopt healthier habits, including meals made up of fruits, vegetables, less red meat, more fish and chicken. You might want to see a dietician to develop an eating plan that works for you. Also read about what are processed foods and try to cut them way back.

Your doctor may prescribe statins which lower cholesterol very well, but do not take the place of dietary changes. As Dixie mentioned, you are young enough to greatly improve your health.

Also, keep in mind that high cholesterol can be artery clogging which can cause problems later.

[Agora1]

Hi Bostonj, sometimes our desire for unhealthy foods overcomes our health decisions.

I am not a doctor but went through the same thing at one time with my choice of Blue Cheese.

(not in moderation) I saw a sign for Free Cholesterol Check at a clinic and stopped by to have

mine checked. Like yours the numbers were over the top. The nurse was concerned and

told me to come back in a month for the next free check.

I did. Minus no Blue Cheese in that month's time. The nurse was more than amazed

in that my numbers dropped by 100 points. So what I'm saying is that "yes" what we eat

or don't eat can definitely affect our numbers. Work with your doctor and you may see

a difference. Good Luck xx

[Abadar]

Worrying is fine but panicking is not needed.1) No doubt it has to be controlled by what we call LIFE STYLE CHANGES. It has three main components. Diet management 40%, Regular Exercise 35%, Cholesterol lowering medicine 25%.

2) Control your diet 100%, start moderate exercise. Get test repeated in 28 days after these two. If still disturbed (high LDL, Low HDL/c) then talk to your GP to start you on medication (?statins).

3) To decrease panicking learn difference between Causative factors and Risk factors.

No need to panic, yes there is need to control.

Best wishes

[Dixie9326]

All great suggestions for you.. I’m a retired Emergency department RN and those numbers should be addressed with healthier lifestyle changes. Not everyone has that information until an emergency develops. Take the bull by the horns now and make your health a priority! You can do it:):):)👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻