10.5 TC at age 43

[markjasongreen]

Just had blood tests, cholesterol level is 10.5. Doctor given me 20mg Atorvastatin to take. Only 43 years of age with family history. Any advice.

[markjasongreen]

Lipid clinic was mentioned at 1st doctors appointment. Just had a fasting blood test, not got results in yet but they said to go back in 2 months.

[markjasongreen]

No worries, u've been a big help. Enjoy ur hols.

[Wyvon]

I have just read your message Mark and seen Traci's reply and would reinforce everything she says. 1. Insist on referral to specialist (as is your right if you have a family history). 2. Inform all your blood relatives so they can be tested. 3. Check out which foods are good for helping to reduce cholesterol levels and try to increase exercise. Having said that, if you have inherited a faulty gene, this will probably not be enough on its own to lower your total cholesterol levels enough so suggest you check out HEART UK - a charity set up originally by patients such as yourself over thirty years ago - they have lots of advice for you. If you are able, may I suggest you attend their AGM in September in Hatfield. I too have inherited Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (F.H.) from my father and find that I learn so much from listening to the experts there and even more from talking to other patients.

[markjasongreen in reply to Wyvon]

I'm back at doctors tomorrow regarding my fasting blood tests so I will ask about lipid clinic, there is 2 in my area. When ur grandad dies at 46 of an heart attack and I'm approaching that age, it gets a bit worrying.

[Jembly]

Information and the link useful thanks, though do not understand some of the terms yet. Not yet got serious with cholesterol problem.

With my head injury can start reading then seemingly get bored, switch off. That's my problem and gets annoying for me. Now find few months back have inherited family problem for some males high cholesterol. Am hoping a false reading but know otherwise!

[Wyvon]

Never too late to start taking steps Mark. Good luck with your GP tomorrow. If you look at the website of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence regarding how too manage F.H., it might help you to have some facts at your fingertips. <nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG71>. Do share what happens at the doc's with the Forum. We know how worrying a diagnosis can be at first.

[markjasongreen in reply to Wyvon]

I was referred to the lipid clinic without even asking following my fasting blood test. All my other tests like kidneys etc come back fine. Thanks for the help.

[Wyvon]

So pleased that your doctor referred you. Now that you are aware of the problem, you can start taking steps to ensure you don't follow in your grandfather's footsteps. Do let us know how you progress.

[DakCB-UK]

Careful. Dietary changes make a difference too me. It's not enough, though!

[markjasongreen]

Update on my progress.

Got my full blood results now.

TC - 9.9

LDL - 8.5

HDL - 0.86

TRI - 1.2

HDL/TC Ratio - 11.5

Got an appointment in 2 weeks with family history clinic in Sheffield, South Yorkshire so hopefully get some specialist advice.