A little Worried

[Michelle25]

Have just been told i have a Cholesterol reading of 5.5 with a high HDL I'm 43 years old with other health issues. Is this bad news.

[Bazza1234]

It is outside the normally acceptable numbers - whether it is BAD is unknown. Cholesterol is one of a number of things/factors that can create plaque in our arteries over a longish time. Nearly everybody gets arterial plaque at some stage of their life - but the later it happens and the less of it, the better. It is fairly standard these days for the medicos to recommend statins for cholesterol levels around what you have - you may be able to get it down by "improving" your current diet.

[Michelle25 in reply to Bazza1234]

Thank you so much for replying, can i ask would they put you on statins if you are already on 7 different types of medicines for nerve and spinal damage, as i have to take Morphine and Tramadol everyday along with others.

[Bazza1234 in reply to Michelle25]

I couldn't answer that one -- only the Doctors could. I consider statins to be a long term solution to a long term problem. Your individual situation would have to be considered by a Doctor - but I wouldn't be too worried about a cholesterol level of 5.5 - that number is only slightly over the recommended. I have had a level of 8.7 for the past 30 years (am now 70) - in hindsight , perhaps I would not now have the level of atherosclerosis that I now have (symptom less hardening of the arteries) - but also perhaps I would have. They really don't know what causes it - all sorts of "theories" . I do long distance running - maybe one day I will drop dead while running ? - probably better than getting some kind of ugly cancer! We all have to move along at some point!!

[sos007 Ambassador]

An optimal total cholesterol level would be in the area of 4.0 mmol/l, comprised of an LDL (bad cholesterol) level of 2.0 or less, and an HDL level of 1.6 or higher. HDL is a scavenger and cleans up the LDL.

Your description does not seem horrible, just sub-optimal. Read my post 'Coming off statins' as well as the updated posts that followed.

Essentially, if you wish to avoid taking medication and wish to avoid surgery or a life-threatening critical event like a heart attack or stroke, you must make permanent lifestyle changes.

The most important are to reduce initially and eventually to eliminate the consumption of simple carbohydrates (ex. white pasta, white rice, white bread, sugar and all sweeteners). At the same time, you should begin an exercise program that is realistic and sustainable. The simplest form of exercise is walking. So you can start by walking daily for 20 minutes and gradually build up to 60 minutes.

You should also get a blood test that checks for low-grade inflammation. The high sensitivity CRP test and the MPO (Myeloperoxidase) test. CRP measures general inflammation in the body, while the MPO measures for inflammation specifically in the arteries.

An hbA1C test measures for average blood glucose levels over the preceding 3 months and is used a screen for diabetes. Even if you don't have type 2 diabetes this will be a good baseline test for future reference.

What gets measured gets done - the temptation to stray from your healthier lifestyle will be diminished if you know the cheating will show up on your regular blood test. While your in the process of adjusting your lifestyle you should be getting a quarterly blood test for your lipid profile and the two inflammation tests.

Good luck.

[Markl60]

Cholesterol does not cause arterial plaque. Damage to the arteries which has to be patched up by amongst other things cholesterol probably does cause plaque however. For me you are checking the wrong numbers. You should be looking at your Total to HDL ratio from the numbers you have but to be honest you would get a clearer picture by looking at the following numbers

Lp(a)

APOA/APOB ratio

Homocyteine levels

Oxidised LDL

CRP

[sandybrown]

Please go back to your GP or doctor and ask for full explanation.

[Paul12]

The cholesterol ratios and results are not enough. You need to Google VAP test and check for VLDL and particle sizes.

Secondly, assume the worst and then make significant lifestyle changes

Thirdly stay off statins / they help ONE in 125 and side effects do not go if you stop taking them

Fourthly check out LCHF and vegan diets as both seem to work

Fifthly get serious competent advice and join fbook forum optimising nutrition as that is the most knowledgable