Diagnosis

[ScorpiaAutumnRose]

I was diagnosed with high cholesterol yesterday. My doctor never prescribed me anything for it. At this point, I have no idea what to do to managed it.

[Haz58]

How high is your total cholesterol? If it's over 5 I'm not sure why the doc didn't try statins they usually do. My GP referred my to Endocrinology as I cannot take statins, I've tried them all, and they are trying me with bempedoic acid. Started taking them yesterday so too early to tell if I'm ok on them.

[ScorpiaAutumnRose in reply to Haz58]

205

[sluggerpk in reply to Haz58]

Be glad he didn't. You can bring it down naturally with Diet /Healthy Eating and Exercise and Supplements. Chloresterol medication it one of tge worst to take because of all the side effects.

[Haz58 in reply to sluggerpk]

Tried that. Been watching and logging what I eat since may last year and lost 2 stone. Didn't make the slightest bit of difference, in fact my triglyceride went up again slightly. 50% carbs, 30% protein 20% fat diet as advised by the consultant.

[ScorpiaAutumnRose in reply to sluggerpk]

Yes. I am dieting (healthy of course) and eating healthy and exercising daily.

[Pita123]

I see you are 46. If cholesterol is not very high and you don't have other risks the doctor might want you to try lifestyle changes first like better eating and exercising daily. I would ask the doctor what they suggest you do but either way, you should improve your habits. It doesn't get easier as we age. You will find many posts here on people's experiences to manage cholesterol. Each one has their own journey. Best wishes.

[ScorpiaAutumnRose in reply to Pita123]

Cholesterol is 205.

[DicCarlson]

First strategy is diet/lifestyle. Statins are problematic for a lot of people. A much better metric to predict cardiac events is Triglycerides/HDL ratio. Cut out simple carbs and booze triglycerides will drop like a rock.

prevmedhealth.com/more-impo...

[Frances_B]

You might find this article will help explain what the numbers mean - different measurement units are used in the USA to most of the rest of the world.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

This article is a bit more specific to the USA - at 205 you are borderline which is probably why your doctor didn't prescribe anything.

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

Your doctor should be considering (and explaining to you) a range of factors in relation to cardiac risks - not just looking a cholesterol numbers. As you are currently borderline it is probably sensible for you to make an effort to find out more about the potential for diet and exercise to assist with managing cholesterol levels - it may be that no drugs will be needed.

[ScorpiaAutumnRose in reply to Frances_B]

I'm already on a diet. I also workout 3 times a day, 7 days a week. I'm heavily into fitness.

[Frances_B in reply to ScorpiaAutumnRose]

That's great and very much in your favour if you are already doing those things. Many people are not, and they can get benefits with their cholesterol levels by changing lifestyle factors, but it sounds like your habits are already a cut above those of many of us.