Cholesterol rising?

[Paul12]

Is rising cholesterol a natural consequence of aging? If it is then - given it is a natural consequence - statins seems to be the ONLY answer.

Is that correct?

I also read that statins can reverse arterial plaque - is that correct?

[helixhelix]

It’s not that simple. Any many of us on here take serious drugs that can impact on cholesterol/triglycerides.

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/...

[Paul12 in reply to helixhelix]

But can arterial plaque be reversed by statins?

[helixhelix in reply to Paul12]

A degree of plaque MAY be reversed - but that doesn’t mean it WILL be reversed. So many variables.

[oldtimer]

The cardiovascular risk is higher as you age. You need to do your own risk assessment as lowering your low density lipoprotein level still only makes a difference in days,not years, to your life expectancy.

[Thingybob]

I recently tried to lower my cholesterol through diet and exercise , with my gps agreement. It made no difference. My gp explained that 80% of our total cholesterol is determined by genetic programming , individual to each of us. And 20% can be affected by diet. It can be lowered by change of diet but only if your diet is high in saturated fats to begin with.

An individual risk analysis by your gp is a good idea, looking at factors such as blood pressure ect .

RA increases the risk of cardio vascular disease a lot, unfortunately . An overall risk level of 10% or higher together with raised cholesterol indicates statins are advised apparently.