Help please

[Lunabaloo]

My life has potentially changed today. Finding out my cholesterol of the scale. Blood pressure to the high side. Really need help and support please in my life style changes to hopefully get me back on track. I'm far from ready to checkout of this world so need to accept changes. So anyone who has walked or walking my journey be grateful if you would get In touch please....many thanks 😊

[RF260]

You are probably right, your life has changed and hopefully for the better as you are young enough to do something about it. I was told in my 30's to lose some weight or I would pay for it later on , sure enough heart attack 9 months ago. I've lost 2 stone since the HA (17 to just under 15), This has been done purely through eating smaller portions and cutting down on things we know aren't the best. I don't really exercise, walk about 5000 steps a day. Cholesterol has much improved through diet and a low dose of statin, been on BP meds for 20 years which have kept it steady. Don't cut stuff out but just cut down and my cholesterol halved in a few months, don't have seconds, avoid puddings, I used to eat 12 packets of chocolate digestives a month, now just have plain biscuits, I love pringles but have cut them out etc etc. it sounds grim but you can adapt, good luck, keep the faith..

[Lunabaloo in reply to RF260]

Hi thanks so much for your reply. Really appreciate it. Im 47 and this has opened my eyes immensely. Can't ignore the facts . I'm trying to process it and get mentally ready for the changes I must make. Definitely scared me especially thinking of my family.

I'm going to research menu ideas and get myself into a routine.

Wish you all the luck, thanks for getting in touch!!

[ArthurPrecarious in reply to Lunabaloo]

I would recommend Slimming World. I lost three and a half stone over a few months. It just educates you about how to better manage your diet without getting too grim. There’ll be a branch near you. Sure, there’s a cost but it’s worth it. Good luck - you can do it!

[Qualipop in reply to Lunabaloo]

I totally changed my diet after a heart attack and without even trying I Lost 2 stone. I cut out cakes and biscuits, pies and fries and my evening bag of crisps. I cut right down on red meat,(Quorn mince tastes just the same) ate more chicken and fish and more veg. I don't drink alcohol at all. The BHF main page has a link to hundreds of heart healthy recipes. I didn't find it at all difficult. My cholesterol quickly dropped with diet and statins.

[Knavesmire27]

Hi there, I know this is so daunting for you. I truly do. I had to make some difficult decisions over the last couple of years due to issues with my heart and there were days where it would seem impossible. Because this isn't about a quick sprint to the finish, it is about changing your lifestyle for the long term. That's the hardest thing to come to terms with. The only advice I can give you is to just take it one day at a time. I started small, cutting out some snacks, changing from full fat crisps with my lunchtime sandwich to more healthier alternatives like lentil Crisps . I then started to walk, now those first few weeks and months were far from easy. I couldn't even get to the end of my street (which isn't long) without sitting down! But with time I could do half a mile (still with a little sit down) then a mile and up until having a mitral valve replacement in November I was walking at least 3 miles a day with no stops 😊. Now if someone had told me I would actually enjoy walking I would have laughed in their face! The same with my diet. I eat 3 good meals a day and still allow myself some treats but I no longer crave those extra snacks like I used to. To date I have lost approx 5 stone 5lbs. I am getting my walking back and up to about 2 and a half miles a day since my surgery and yes, it does make me feel good to know I am getting there. I wish you every bit of luck. Every journey has to start somewhere and the fact that you want to start yours is amazing. Good luck and take care.

[Lunabaloo in reply to Knavesmire27]

I am truly grateful for you replying and a insight Into your journey. It's helpful for me. I'm going to reflect on these messages along the way. Just getting my head around it at the moment. Thanks so much for your support. Takecare sounds like your doing great and come along way ! 😀

[Pickerj in reply to Knavesmire27]

Superb 👏

[roy29]

Vitamin Niacin up to 3000 mg a day, to reduce cholesterol, SAFELY, complementing or instead of statins. But you have to build it up slowly from 100 mg to 3000 mg a day. Same thing with Vitamin E. Good luck.

[stevetheadi]

Some very good advice here. I have nothing to add to the suggestions regarding diet etc but I would urge you not to panic.

You're not going to die suddenly because of your blood pressure (BP is just a number unless you have a headache etc) or high cholesterol.

Make the changes to your lifestyle and take the medication that your GP will prescribe for you.

Get some exercise in the fresh air. Have an occasional biscuit

Enjoy life.

[Murderfan58]

Life changes all the time . But never give up.living it to the full.. You know what your health problems and you can fix them . You need to change things in your life . Healthy eating ,cut down or out drinking if you do and if you smoke stop. 47 isn't old you have decades ahead of you . There is no easy fix and it takes work to change any bad habits . But you can do it . You just need to want to . Plan what you eat ,exercise and your way of thinking . This is a whole lifetime change a marathon not a sprint .

BHF have health eating plans and recipes and plenty of tips on exercise.

I exercise at home daily and go to a sit fit class once a week. Plus cook from scratch but enough soup for 6 lunches and enough dinner for 6 . All kept in the fridge to reheat .

My husband died at 47 from cancer . Which seems unfair as he was the fit healthy one and I was born disabled with hold in the side of my heart. But because of him I live my life to the full. I am 66 recently had a heart attack. All I had was a headache and pain left side of my neck the cardiac enzyme blood test showed heart muscle damage . Much to my surprise and consultant when I had angiography didn't need any stents . Seeing him this.afternoon for check up.and help with water retention and breathlessness.

This isn't a death sentence but your wake up call . Mine was in 2017 when 2 tablets I had been taking for decades gave me jaundice seriously ill for 5 months and found out I should have died with my bilirubin levels. Only 3 things I wanted out of life lost weight ,move house and get fit. Lost 7st ,moved 100+ miles to north west and fitter than I was at 40.

Now the rest is up to you . But you will always get support from this group.

[KathleenV]

Hello

It will hopefully make you feel better to remember you have the power to improve your health. Enjoy your new healthier life and let us know how you get on.

Kathleen

[elliebath]

There are very supportive groups here on Health Unlocked, to help you improve your weight and general health. Going "on a diet" is not the answer as it is only a quick fix, it is not sustainable , so we need to learn a new way of life: better food choices, normal portion size etc. a bit more activity.

So, don't rush out and join a "slimming club" until you've looked at the free online help available right here. Lovely people helping each other. It helped me and hundreds of others. Here's the link.

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

[sandandkev]

You are not the only one- I was on no medication or had health issues apart from aches til 18months ago- suddenly got AF blood pressure high- now on loads pills but nearly back to normal,I had a hole in heart didn't know about! Cholesterol now controlled - hate all the pills but hey that's life sometimes

[Burleighblue]

Hi LunabalooI would echo most of the above.

Having had slightly high BP for a while, I had a heart attack abroad in the summer which was a total surprise. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. So you have the early warning, and you are aware of the risks. It's a real chance to alter the course of your life for the better. You can avoid heart damage and stents. Small changes will make a difference and help you enjoy life more as well. I'm getting better, but obviously wish my heart didn't need repairing. Good luck. Let us know how you get on. 😊

[Lunabaloo in reply to Burleighblue]

Good morning. I'm taking on board all your comments and changes starting today!. My Warnings can't be ignored. Thanks for taking the time to respond to me appreciated. Good luck and glad your feeling better. I will definitely let all know how I'm getting on. Joining this group is helping and getting my mind-set in the correct place. Thanks again 😀

[Caballocubano]

Probably most of us here. Please don't panic. Make sure you get the right support fron your GP re meds and look up all rge British Heart Foundation info on line as it's links are brilliant and cover every aspect of physical and mental support... including a help line to speak to someone. Great magazine too.Yes a review of diet, exercise etc important but we're all still here ! Read some of the stories here you'll be astounded!

Good luck ... just a new chapter if your life which can become amazing.

Not the end ...the beginning!

[BobbyB1962]

You've had lots of good advice, all I would add is to be careful where you go for your "research", Dr Google can be dangerous! The BHF website on the other hand is full of great advice on cholesterol and heart healthy eating plus exercising safely etc.Good luck.

[Spanielrunner]

if you’re not on them already get yourself on statins as they’ll get your cholesterol back to within normal levels. Switching to decaf will help your blood pressure as will medication and life style changes such as limiting salt and all those naughty foods that are bad for you.

[DWizza]

You don’t have to make anything complicated to make changes. I’m sure you already know what you need to do make those changes , it is common knowledge that high fat , ultra processed foods and over consumption can leads to a huge amount of health issues including high blood pressure , high cholesterol , cardiac issues etc .

The first place to research should be the British Heart Foundation website , the information and recommenced actions to take are already there. You just need the resolve to follow the guidelines . I would also advocate taking advice from your medical team and consider any medication they suggest to help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol . I’m loving my rebirth post nstemi heart attack and quadruple bypass , blocked arteries that was unaware of . Wishing you all the best on your journey.

[mozart27]

I agree with the others who have told you not to panic. I am also male and was about your age when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol following a routine medical. Initially, I tried to control both with lifestyle changes but found this difficult. I had quite a stressful lifestyle, drank socially and had a number of meals out each week but my BMI was fine and I have never smoked. I then went on to medication but both blood pressure and cholesterol have been difficult to control over the years. But I am 75 this year, quite healthy and over the last quarter of a century or so following the diagnosis I have not had a stroke nor a heart attack. It is not inevitable that you will have one and please don't get over anxious about it - it's not good for you.

[cometwatcher1927]

would echo the above comments sincerely

Try and cut out snacking and eat lesser portion sizes - really helps - mentally , every day do one tiny obscure job however big or small - in a week you have achieved alot - month - really helps staying positive

Learn to be at peace with yourself - appreciate simple things in life

Well done for using this forum I’ve found it excellent and you can relate to people with same issues

Gives you confidence

[Lowerfield_no_more]

My experience is similar to mozart27 above. I was diagnosed with high BP and very high cholesterol over 25 years ago and have been taking medication ever since. The very high cholesterol is probably genetic. So look up life style measures to reduce your heart health risk outlined on the BHF webpages including diet, body weigh management, exercise, smoking and alcohol, and incorporate them into your life as you are able. And with the medication you will no doubt have been prescribed you will then have matters under control, as far as possible, and your heart health risk will be much the same as those who don't have high BP or cholesterol and in many cases better.

[Oatybiscuits]

I am on here due to my husbands heart journey but a year ago I had a rare type of stroke- on admission to A&E they ran loads of tests and dignosed my cholesterol as 7.8 - they and I were totally horrified

I was 52 , healthy and ate a healthy diet - my cholesterol didn’t cause my stroke but I was immediately put on statins - they asked for a comprehensive diet check and concluded my cholesterol wasn’t diet but body misfiring

Initially I was more upset about the cholesterol result than my stroke ( my stroke was caused by a spontaneous dissection of my carotid artery )

Within 3 mths of taking statins my cholesterol was down to 4.5 healthy but I will have to stay on them for life

My blood pressure is healthy

It is indeed a shock when you think you are healthy- I don’t drink, smoke or eat an unhealthy diet but sometimes our bodies misfire

[Whiteghost]

Had my annual check up on Monday. My colesterol, blood pressure, weight, all gone in the wrong direction. Doctor adjusted statins and Ramipril doses, to what they used to be, before they were changed🤷 I was disappointed but firstly it was only a few weeks ago it was Christmas, we eat more, do less exercise, etc. But now I'm back in control of my life style, and that's my point, your in charge, we're allowed to occasionally spoil ourselves, then it's back to "our normal". Nothing you can't control.🤗

[Bingo88]

Hello Lunabaloo. Yes sadly we can have a sudden shock to the system with our health to get us to take action. If your talking about changing eating habits then if you click on the 9 dots in the bottom left hand corner you will find a list of other support groups here and there's one called Healthy Eating to give you tips on good foods to eat. Best of luck. Brian

[Anothernewbie]

You are probably thinking - where do I go from here, what can I do? Without realising, you have already started by thinking about your options. Someone has recommended Slimming World. I completely agree. They are much more flexible than WW, and look on dieting as a new approach to food, not a diet restriction. You can do it online if you wish, I did and lost 2 stone in 6 months after being diagnosed with A.Fib in my 80's. Losing weight, if you are overweight, should bring your BP down, but cholesterol is much harder. A talk with your GP should help with both.

Good luck, let us know what you decide to do.

[Sashvuk]

mate I suggest you to look after yourself before is to late ⏰, I haven’t been looking after myself and I ended having stroke and HA because we believe that we are untouchable, so please look after yourself with proper treatment from gp and your diet…. Wishing you all the best

[Chillydipper]

I battle with my cholesterol too as does my husband. My hubby is much better at keeping his cholesterol down than I am and it's not so much what he has cut out of his diet but much more what he has added in. Oats actively help to reduce cholesterol levels as do increasing amounts of nuts, seeds and pulses in your diet. Luckily he loves oats and makes his own version of muesli every morning by mixing rolled oats with a selection of chopped nuts (brazils, hazlenuts, peanuts, almonds and chashews), pumpkin and sunflower seeds. It can be mixed in bulk or chopped daily. He successfully reduced his cholesterol levels and blood pressure back to normal in just 3 months. He also added in regular exercise and is very disciplined in doing this.

Unfortunately I am neither disciplined nor a nut lover. However, I did manage to get my levels down from what they were by trying oat milk rather than full fat dairy and I can manage porridge although not daily. We have both replaced some meat based meals with chickpeas and lentil dishes several times a week. Small changes really can make a difference and it's more about adding in good fats rather than cutting out everything else. We still like cheese and crisps but they are a treat rather than a staple now. Walking is good and easy exercise if you can't face joining a gym and doing extreme exercise. Good Luck, it is changeable!

[Pickerj]

there’s lots of us to help. You’re going to be just fine with some tweaks to your lifestyle and the help of the medical professionals. Start small taking one day at a time. Don’t look too far ahead. Read, research and start today. 3 tips from me, nutrition, exercise in whatever form suits you, good sleep. Add to that any form of relaxation that clams your mind, like breath work, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation. Try things and find what works for you. Always here to help.

[TamOShanter]

I’m walking your journey.

12 months ago, I had a health check which showed my total cholesterol at over 9, with LDL over 7. I’ve since been diagnosed with familial hypercholestrolemia as well as very high Lp(a). I’m a very similar age to you.

I went straight onto statins and made changes to my lifestyle. I now walk everywhere I can, go to the gym twice a week and eat more mindfully.

I stopped skipping breakfast and now make sure I have either porridge with chia seeds or Greek yoghurt with a little honey, chia seeds and berries each morning. Crushed avocado on sourdough toast as a weekend treat rather than a bacon sandwich (albeit every 3-4 weeks I will have some bacon with it as a treat!).

I was never much of a snacker (occasional crisps or chocolate, but could easily demolish a large chocolate bar in one sitting!). I actually snack more now but only typically fruit (3-4 times a day), unsalted nuts and dark chocolate (70%+).

Lunches and dinners I focus more on what I’m going to eat, rather than what I’m not going to eat if that makes sense? So I will decide I’m going to eat salmon or tuna or white fish 3-4 times a week and chicken, then think about what good healthy things I can add to it. Poke bowls when I’m at work, salads made with grains and lots of fresh veg when I’m at home, or cooking recipes that look exciting and healthy. I decide I’m going to eat lentils or chickpeas and then think about how I can make them tasty. I’ve actually been really, really enjoying it. I will still have red meat 1-2 times a week, and I still go to restaurants and have the odd takeaway - I am just more mindful of what I’m ordering, and if I want a curry or burger and chips it will be less frequent but I will REALLY enjoy it.

I’ve also made some healthy swaps, so I eat whole grain rice rather than white rice, sourdough or brown bread rather than white bread, and peanut butter (ManiLife is amaazing) on toast if I feel I need a bread fix.

My total cholesterol is down to 4, with LDL at 2. I found taking cod liver oil capsules helped bring LDL down from 2.5 to 2. As a side effect, my Lp(a) has come down from 230 to 130 somehow (even though it is not supposed to change very much). I’ve also lost 10kg and, while I wasn’t particularly overweight before, I’m loving the side effect of now being back in the same shape I was 25 years ago!

The journey doesn’t have to be miserable. Focus more on the positive choices you are going to make and less on what you will give up, and don’t deprive yourself of occasional treats - just plan them out in advance so that you really enjoy them and they don’t get in the way of your positive choices.

Good luck with your journey, and sorry for such a long (first) post…

[Desertflowerchild in reply to TamOShanter]

Gotta love that lp(a) supposedly does not change. Simvastatin made mine almost double and pitavastin brought it back down to slightly below where it was before beginning simvastatin.

[readyabout]

It's all a bit of a shock, but all this can be sorted. On the diet/food front, on advice we looked at 'Eat Right for Your Blood Type', which does make sense when you think about - so that would give good nutrition. We also watched ITV two programmes recently 'The Glucose Goddess' which was very interesting, and the volunteers had amazing results in 6 weeks, it is more a when/how to eat rather than a dramatic change, so easy. Need to be aware of saturated fats, they are in things you would not think of - cheese of course, palm oil, coconut oil, get into the habit of reading labels. Exercise is of course essential, you just have to find out what you enjoy, for me it's walking in the woods, Pilates once a week and subsequent daily exercise (back problems), and sailing once/twice a week - bit on hold 'cos of grotty weather. Good Luck

[Rosieapple72]

You have been given lots of brilliant advice a support by other ‘hearties’. The only thing I can add is that you could turn this on its head and realise that you are actually one of the luckier ones. You are young and you have your life in front of you to turn this around. You know what you need to do and you have been given loads of advice above about how to do it. I wish (and I am sure many others do) that I had realised the impact of lifestyles upon our health when I was your age. It’s scary, really scary, but you have been given a chance here and if I were you I would grab it with both hands. We will all be here to offer you support on your journey, but you know what - you’ve got this and you can do it!

[Brocc]

Hi & Big Hugs.

I agree also to a lot of the comments, no panicking but use that shock at the news as your mindset for change, you can do this you've done the hardest thing already, admitting to yourself you need & want to change.

I haven't had the News but am damn sure I will with my scores, but hoping to loose some weight, voiced to my husband this morning I think I need to go to S/W but actually You & this forum has inspired me to get onto the below site/link.

Hubbies (undiagnosed DNA) +GP's fault for all my weight (of course not mine!) & stress over this last year. Once we paid for heart scan (thank you Vista) he's now had OHS & back home post 8wks recovery ❤️‍🩹

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I'm starting NOW, printing out a menu. We were always lucky to be fit & we thought healthy, walked upto 50miles a week. We had no cholesterol or furring up. But Congenital Aortic Valve (2 instead of 3 flaps) fought back aged 73!!

All the Very Best - You've got this.

I'm going to use you as 'if Lunabaloo can do this so can I' mantra X Thanks

[healthquestions24]

It's completely normal to feel the way you do, I was told I had familial high cholesterol and 6 months later had a heart attack and was was told I needed a bypass - I thought the sky had fallen in! When we get bad news it's natural to catastrophize or think in 'all or nothing' terms. Reality is that you've had a tap on the shoulder with some unpleasant but valuable information that you can act upon. If it appears overwhelming, it's best break it down into small pieces e.g a plan for medication, activity, diet etc and then start making very small changes that stick. There's tons of amazing info out there but it's easy to get overwhelmed by trying to change too many things at once. Simple example 1. Check with Dr for med requirements (statins etc). 2. Commit to walking 1k steps a day. 3. Choose some mediterranean diet recipes from the BHF website and cook one every day. 4. Write a few lines every day describing what you did . It doesn't have to be the end of the world but it could be the start of a better one for you. All the best and good luck.

[Pepsicoke]

I feel you, I am 49 and last year had an afib episode that scared the life out of me. I am 5.11 and have been bouncing between 240/245 pounds for over a year so I'm obese. Because of my weight I asked for a cholesterol test and was shocked I came in at 7.7 shouldn't be surprised realy, a few years ago I was 20 stone and lost 6 in a year unfortunately it found me again. Since new year I'm making a huge effort to change my life getting 4k steps a day and not sitting on my arse to lose this weight again, however my bp is fine. Take this chance to make a difference change eating habits and get motivated, a quote from a great movie " get busy living or get busy dying" I'm not ready to check out yet either so I'm making the change to have more time with my beautiful wife and family. Good luck to you, you can do it. Oh and I got put on statins for the cholesterol and betablockers + flecainide for the afib so I'm starting to rattle when I walk lol.

[Jedi14]

Ok, what meds are you on and what is your weight?

[cappachina]

Do not panic My husbands Colesterol was 14 when diagnosed many years and he got his and his blood pressure down You can do it He was 50 at the time and though he died at 73 it was nothing to do with his heart blood pressure or cholesterol levels which were still well under control Good luck

[Hants_j]

Aligning with the good comments made; it's a real surprise when these things pop up. I was 47 when had a couple of bad experiences out of the blue which felt like a HA. It was very scary. Had tests, scans, angioplasty, and CAD diagnosed. Always had high BP which had been medicated for years but never has become massively lower. I have changed the way I live, better diet and a lot less to drink, and while it's not all plain sailing I generally feel much better. That said, it can be tough mentally as life long habits still lurk. For a time on some days I don't feel great but it passes. It can be achieved. One step at a time and a realisation that the youth has gone is hard. I keep active as I always have and perhaps that has been a saviour. All power to you.