Very high cholesterol levels

[HealthyChik]

Hello,

I have a new problem of high cholesterol, especially my triglycerides. Within 6 months I have gone from 200 to 300 on chol, and 100 to 400 on triglycerides, HDL has dropped from 70 to 40. LDL is obviously out of range too. I already have a decent diet and exercise regularly and even stepped it up a bit over the last 2 months. My BMI is in normal range. No blood pressure issues. I've had PBC since 2018 and on urso. No fibrosis so far. No physical symptoms. Over the last year, my liver enzymes have gone from normal to slightly elevated. AST-in range, ALT-45, ALP-136. I also am not a big fan of sweets and don't drink alcohol which are the biggest culprits of elevated triglycerides. I’m really trying to avoid a statin but have an appointment with a cardiologist in a few weeks. Has anyone experienced this and what did you do to get it down? I know high cholesterol is common in PBC patients but I don't know the physiology behind it. How has your hepatologist explained this? I don't see mine for a few months. I know inflammation plays a role🤷🏻‍♀️

Any insight appreciated😊💕

[butterflyEi]

On the PBC Foundation's web page there is an article on PBC and ..... On that page there is one for PBC and high cholesterol.

On YouTube there is a presentation on PBC, High Cholesterol and Statins by Professor Jones hosted by the PBC Foundation. youtube.com/watch?v=i7cenyu...(Not working as expected?)

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to butterflyEi]

thanks for much for posting this...

[HealthyChik in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you so much for this! Definitely gives me something to think about and will help me generate some good question to ask the cardiologist💕

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

I do know from a friend of mine who is currently experiencing high cholesterol issues that his anxiety and overall stress levels has added to this too. Genetics plays a part in this. Do you feel you could benefit from maybe starting some yoga or even meditation? Do you feel you are unusually stressed lately?

[HealthyChik in reply to DonnaBoll]

Yes! I'm caring for an elderly parent, plus work, plus trying to enjoy the grandkids activities, and of course everyday life😅. I do exercise almost daily. It helps me keep my sanity, and I take a little time in the mornings for devotional and meditation. I will admit I often ask myself "Are you really stressed or is this just normal life?" But my friends and family assure me I'm stressed out. Lol. Anybody's doctor ever check their cortisol levels? I'm not sure what else to check to justify this is contributing to my elevated lipids.

[Michi1 in reply to HealthyChik]

What kind of exercise are you doing every day? As we age our response to different kinds of exercise changes. Some things that were effective when we were younger, like hard core cardio and HIIT, can now elevate cortisol and stress.

[HealthyChik in reply to Michi1]

Hi, I've been a casual runner (2-3 miles/day) up until a few years ago. Now I only run occasionally, but power walk 6 days a week, usually averaging about 12-15,000 steps/day. I've been trying to do more strength training because I feel it's definitely more beneficial at my age. I'm 58, but can't seem commit myself to it. I love being outside😊

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to HealthyChik]

I think we all need to make sure we REALLY take care of ourselves. We can't do for others when we have nothing left to give. For me, I have to step back and look and see what I can 'manage' to make my life easier for myself. I can't be all things to all people.

[HealthyChik in reply to DonnaBoll]

Very true! I try to do that but it can be awfully hard at times. I was doing daily care for my mother and managed to convince her to move to an assisted living facility to give me a break and so I could be back with my family full time. She has been there for almost a year and constantly calls me crying and saying she wants to go home or needs me to come and take care of something for her. So still a stressful situation. She has moderate dementia so I know she doesn't realize she's stressing me out, though I've told her. Parents can become toddler-like and selfish in their old age! That's for the opportunity to vent but I do firmly believe in taking care of yourself.💕

[Michi1]

maybe back off a bit?

[HealthyChik in reply to Michi1]

Probably good advice. May cut back to 5 days allowing 2 rest days. Weight management has been difficult for me during menopause. I gained 20 pounds almost immediately at the onset and up until that point, I was one of the lucky ones who found it easy to maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Now I have to work extra hard with diet and exercise to stay at a healthy BMI. Obviously might not be worth it if it's causing other health issues. It's definitely a catch 22🥴

[OrangeTulip]

Sorry to hear your cholesterol numbers are elevated. Glad to hear you are seeing a cardiologist and making lifestyle adjustments. My cardiologist had me do a C-Reactive Protein test to check inflammation in my body. It might be worth exploring this with your doctor. Goodluck.