Understanding Risk calculator - Cholesterol Support

Cholesterol Support

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Understanding Risk calculator

sandybrown profile image
7 Replies

In the Horizon programme Dr Mosley discuss the risk calculator, by inputting blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers.this can be seen from 3 minutes in to the programme and full explanation for the next four minutes. Programme is available on BBC2, I player.

The full programme discuss other two health checks as well.

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sandybrown profile image
sandybrown
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7 Replies
gillyflower88 profile image
gillyflower88

Hi Bala, meant to watch it but bake off got in the way. Why do i do it to myself. LOL. Will watch on catch up

Aliwally profile image
Aliwally

Yes, I saw it and have left a comment on your other post!

I thought on the whole, it was well balanced.

The prescribing of statins for those with a 10% risk over the next 10 years are the latest (controversial) guidelines. Michael Mosely was 11% on his risk factors.

sandybrown profile image
sandybrown in reply to Aliwally

Thank you. All my research over the last four years on life style change, regular exercise, food intake control is working, have avoided medication.

As my GP says, we are monitoring with six monthly blood test.

bobaxford profile image
bobaxford in reply to sandybrown

Bala, I agree with life style changes and monitoring. My GP used to offer 6 monthly blood tests but now will only test at 12 months. Also they will only give a total cholesterol result and not break down into HDL and LDL which does reduce its usefulness. I had a recent private test which was very comprehensive and identified low blood cell count and low vitamin D, but it cost £140. So I now plan on having annual private test.

sandybrown profile image
sandybrown in reply to bobaxford

After NHS blood test, I went for three private health screening four years ago to understand all the different testing!

Because of my GP's comment that you have to go on medication to undo the damage!!, my question what damage therefore I went for 12-lead stress test and an electro cardio gram. The results came OK and the consultant's comments no medication necessary. Started on my lifestyle change, all OK so far.

I am so fortunate that my GP practice can offer six monthly full blood test and I do keep a graph of my blood test results to understand the changes and adjust my food intake.

May be next year a blue crest health screening, this I because the report is good, but the problem is the help desk telephone support to answer questions is very poor.

I am maintaining my weight, according to BMI, I am over weight!

not worried, most of my life I have been over weight, daily visit to the gym is helping me to keep my weight under control I still do enjoy cakes, ice cream and whisky once in a while!

DakCB-UK profile image
DakCB-UK

Just a side note: the risk calculator gives inaccurate results for FH sufferers. If you encounter a medic using it for you after they should know you have FH, replace medic and try again!

My view of risk is simple - the people who are most like me are my brothers and sisters because we've got the same parents and we had a similar environment when we were young. Therefore I think their CVD risk is likely to be predictive of my own CVD risk - especially as we're all non smokers (unlike my parents).

I am the youngest in my family and so far none of my siblings have had heart disease or a stroke despite only one taking statins. So given that I've got three brothers over 60 who aren't on statins and seem in reasonable health, I'm not that worried.

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