Hello I am feeling sick with worry and had a massive panic attack after my routine eye test the optician said cholestrol spots are showing in my eyes.. I am very slim have a low fat diet exercise daily and although I eat chocolate I'd say my diet is good so this has shocked me....optician said you get a fasting cholestrol test but all the info online says cholestrol in your eyes is heart attack territory and is caused by my bad diet or hypothyroidism or diabetes...
I've given up with my doctors they refuse to test for secondary hypothyroidism as my t3 snd t4 were back just in range barely but just so I'm wondering if anyone else has picked up on this with Eye test....my cholestrol was high 5 years ago but they said to monitor it which I haven't..
I already suffer such ill health and this has almost tipped me over the edge...help anyone
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Calm down, don't panic, reading stuff on line isn't always helpful. Not while it isn't all reliable/accurate & causes such worry.
I've never heard of raised Cholesterol levels ( noticed in eye test) refered to as 'heart attack territory' just the advice to get levels checked is usually given.
Stress isn't good for the heart , though, or our health in general. I know of people who found out about raised Cholesterol from routine eye test.
Why don't you ask GP for blood tests including cholesterol and Thyroid Antibodies TPO & Tg. If you can, get the FT3, FT4 & TSH tested at the same time because you'll be given an early morning appoinment for the Cholesterol. Ask for the nutrients levels tests too : Vitamin D; B12, Folate and Ferritin. Doubt you'd get them all but ask anyway ??
My Cholesterol was high , but it was eleven months later that I was told and retested before a suggestion of statins (I'd previously refused).
As my retest showed cholesterol was lower than ever, Consultant was happy - no statins. The only reason I believe was that ten months earlier (for other reasons) I changed my wheat breakfast for porridge with added fine oat bran (every morning ). So if you don't eat porridge now it's something worth considering.
If your T4 and T3 were " back just in range" does that mean you had a Hypothyroid result previously? Then you should have been referred to an Endocrinologist and started on Levothyroxine. (I had my Adrenals tested first - arranged by Endo ).
Do you have any actual blood tests results to share? Have you had TSH tested?
You mention ill health - I would write a list of all symptoms and show GP. Ask for all the blood tests above. If refused ask for urgent referal to an Endocrinologist.
Edit
I've just seen your post from a few months ago. Your TPO & Tg were OK so no evidence of Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroiditis there.
You could ask your GP to send you for an Ultrasound scan of your Thyroid and Parathyroids.
You could ask about LOW T3 (below range) and low T4 (bottom of range) . Strangely -
Your TSH was low. Shouldn't TSH have been higher to stimulate the Thyroid to produce more T4 ?? Ask GP about this. Politely insist on seeing an Endocrinolgist.
Say that as you are so unwell you would like to find out the cause.
You haven't had Vitamin D tested so ask for this. If deficient you will need prescribed supplements.
thank you for your message...I am already having a blood test tomorrow as it happens and for cholestrol just because I've been having alot of chest pains and back pain so I'm off to see a cardiologist so need a cholestrol test first...so sadly they won't do anymore thyroid tests the last ones showed very low t3 low t4 and low tsh but all in range so won't reference me further even though it point to pitituary problem...
I know I'll have to go on statins I can't change my diet any less but I can add oats now I know. but statins and undiagnosed hypothyroidism make things much worse side effects wise of the statins hence why I'm checking if this being undiagnosed could be causing high cholestrol.
I am very worried and anxious and on edge and I know that makes everything worse but I can't help it.
I've no one to go with me sadly to the doctors no...I'm more in need of help when they talk high levels of cholesteol and heart issues
Have you got the actual result of the test? What are the Cholesterol numbers? It may not be as bad as you think.
Anxiety & stress can cause chest pain.
Why don't you give the oats a few weeks then get another test before taking any statins ?
Edit
Has a doctor now actually mentioned heart issues?
Do you have any other blood tests results (apart from the Thyroid & Vits etc) you could share. For example did GP test Prolactin? Liver Function Tests? FBC ?
hi there..5 years ago it was 7 and ideal was 5 now ideal is 3 so it can only be higher this time so I'll be walking stroke victim according to data..the a and e doctor saw me I was sent there from the doctors because I mentioned the symptoms of heart attack apparently..I've been referred to a fast chest rate clinic for further tests with cardiologist to check for angina and more..this was bad enough now cholestrol in my eyes meaning seriously high..
I'm not had a liver test that I know of but lots of full blood counts. I always have low white blood cell count high mch and mchc...a and e doctor asked if I had an infection said not that I'm aware of especially as my WBC has been low for 4 yesrs@@ my lymph glands in neck are swollen permanently apparently just reactive and my groin lymoh nodes on right side are swollen...all point to infection but I haven't got one...all not her puzzle..my chest pains are off the scale today since the opticians and breathless but then I'm scared to death and tearful so stress gets worse...
I'm still not sure where you are getting your 'data' from & what figure you're refering to.
If you Google "NHS choices Cholesterol" you'll see that, currently, the number is 5 in healthy adults and 4 in high risk patients. I would think that the 'high risk' 4 applys to people who already have a relevant diagnosis.
I know someone who had a test after optician mentioned the Cholesterol and result was 7.
Just because your eye test picked up on the Cholesterol it doesn't mean yours has gone up - why not wait for the result?
I also know someone who had many conditions whose Cholesterol was 12 ( when in their late 70's ).
I've just read through some of your replies, you've had so many illnesses to cope with this year - you must be exhausted.
All last week you had sickness and diarrhoea? So this was a recent infection.
I hope the checks you have in the fast-track chest clinic & cardiology department help to put your mind at ease.
Sounds like you could do with some rest from worrying about health issues. And some sleep.
I remember - it took me months recovering from a bad sickness & diarrhoea infection one year. It was so bad I lost a stone in 3 days.
I know it's easier said than done - but please try to relax , ' switch off' and stop worrying.
thank you..I know I need to try to relax but my ever increasing I'll health stops me I just can't pick myself up. when you're being called a hypochondriac and forced onto medicine that 6ou don't want it's so hard to not worry. my desperate sleep deprivation makes things ten times worse but it's a vicious circle I don't sleep I get anxious tearful stressed and when I'm anxious and stressed I don't sleep
Noone "has to go on statins". Just don't take them, the only thing they help with is inflammation and there are a lot of other anti-inflammatory supplements you can take. Statins can cause calcification of the arteries and muscle/bone pain, so if you are already having pain, you don't want statins.
I agree but the gp said if I don't go on them I'm signing my death warrant very soon as I'm prime material for a heart attack so in not taking a statin I feel like I'll die soon all from being selfish
in 2013 they did a well woman MOT when I had my smear against my better judgement and my bad cholestrol was way too high but as my good cholestrol was quite high and I was slim took exercise didn't drink he said although he thought statins were a good idea he would recheck in 5 years if it was still high I'd have to take them...and nothing has changed in my diet bar using pro active margarine and then 2 days ago the optician found cholestrol spots in my eyes which confirmed it's seriously high.
and yes they said that how charming eh!
I don't have breakfast only fruit but I could have it for my supper...I need to last a 20 hour day of being awake so I sneak in a healthy later snack..I love porridge too...made with water or milk ?
I make mine with semi-skimmed milk then add a little cold milk, occassionally honey (though I shouldn't as I'm overweight). Used to make it with water but then add sugar (or syrup) & milk.
I would just make it as you like it best, so that you can enjoy it.
I buy both the porridge (own brand but not the cheap one) and the Fine Oat Bran in Tescos. You can get the bran in Holland & Barret but I don't get into town much because of disabilities.
I don't use margarine just a little butter.
I'm still having difficulty understanding why you think the eye test finding confirms your cholesterol is 'seriously high' ? Seems like the GP hasn't tested in 5 years.
thank you...I was obsessively reading on foods to reduce cholestrol but out of 10 foods there's only kiwi I don't eat and regular porridge..
the optician scared me because she said for cholestrol bits to be showing in my eyes it means it's seriously high in my body hence my shock..
then the headline today is statins cause diabetes and I'm borderline that too so I it's not looking good.
sorry I'm so negative but as I've found these last 5 years with my health the worst case scenario is always true with me...I'm the one in a 1000 that gets something..same with my thyroid all pointing to secondary hypothyroidism the rarer one that GPS don't know about
It would be so good if you could get 2 or 3 early nights and sleep 😴! Been awake since 3.25 am today myself. So will probably be nodding off around 8 or 9pm . . . z z z z😴
thank you..I'm renovating our house the paint fumes are awful..I wish I could sleep but sadly after 7 years almost of no sleep til 3 or 4am it's not going to happen..no nodding off for me..hope you catch up on yours though xx
So getting thyroid under Better control will improve levels
Anxiety is common hypothyroid symptom too
When were your thyroid and vitamins last tested?
Post results and ranges if you have them
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.
All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
I had my own private tests done last year showed under range t3 all others low then my gp tested twice last time 2 months ago. first one t4 was below range but last one only just in range so they ended it there..said no issue and no further tests even though I mentioned hypopitituarism and wanting a scan...but no typical doctor those ranges are normal even only just so bye bye don't bother me anymore.
they won't consider high cholestrol being affected by thyroid but I want all the proof I can that it can be
High cholesterol does not cause heart attacks. Let's be quite clear on that. It is not a problem in itself, just an indication that there is some sort of problem going on. If you have low FT3, you will have high cholesterol - usually, anyway.
Cholesterol has little to do with diet and nothing at all to do with exercise or eating fat! Fat and cholesterol are two completely different substances, and do not miraculously change into each other when you eat them. On the other hand, a low-fat diet is very bad for the health. The body needs fat. Just as it needs cholesterol.
Cholesterol is made in the liver. And it is made in the liver because the body needs it. Your body is held together by cholesterol. Your brain is made of it, and so are your sex hormones. Cholesterol is not the enemy. In fact, the higher your cholesterol, the longer you live.
wow is this all correct ..I never knew this...all I get is high cholestrol means blocked arteries heart attack and my bad diet!!! plus I'm being rail roaded into statins I refused 5 years ago when it was high but they'll really force me this time with being nearly 50...plus perimenopause so that's a double health risk apparently..
thank you...I just read if you lose weight your cholestrol could go high same as in anaemia which is a shock..I lost weight last Xmas new year as from Xmas eve I had severe gastroenteritis ended up in hospital it took me a month to even eat a proper meal..then novo virus in March lasted 6 days then 2 x antibiotics for 2 kidney infections knocked me sick ...then last week sickness diarrhoea all week so my body is even thinner right now as just as I start eating again I get another illness..don't know if that affects or causes high cholestrol being too skinny.
I've never heard that losing weight causes high cholesterol, but I would imagine that it's only temporary, until your liver adjusts to your new weight. But, as I said, high cholesterol, in and of itself, is not a problem, just a symptom.
Cholesterol goes into the arteries to fix problems there - it is used to plaster over cracks - it doesn't cause them. You need to demand an endo referral for central/secondary hypothyroidism or go private and try to see one of the doctors on the TUK list.
I have asked nicely and demanded to see an endocrinologist 3 doctors all said they couldn't refer me because I don't have a thyroid pr8blem..even though everything points to hypopitituarism because I'm in the bloody stupid range albeit at the bottom I've nothing wrong just bad diet bad lifestyle and that's caused high cholestrol none of which is true .
I will look into a private endocrinologist but I've read bad reviews about them too but I can only try try and try again
I was tested fully for thyroid 2 months ago and as none of my levels were below this time even though they were almost rock bottom.
I'm having a fastung blood test tomorrow but only for cholestrol they won't retest thyroid for another 12 months!
I did bleed out badly after my youngest son 21 years ago and I was anorexic and bulimic for 30 years but been eating good for the last 7 years albeit I'm underweight
Please don’t panic about it. It won’t change anything and it won’t do you any good. Make an appointment with your doctor and have some blood tests to get t the bottom of how awful you are feeling as well as the cholesterol test. Last time I had one I was not impressed because according to the receptionist, they don’t do fasting cholesterol tests now!
I have a very strong family history of heart disease and after much badgering from my doctor took statins for a couple of weeks - I gave up after a couple of weeks because they made me feel absolutely dreadful and from the research I did into how long they prolonged your life it wasn’t a good return for how bad they made me feel.
I tend to ignore my cholesterol levels for a start the upper limit seems to be getting lower and lower nowadays although I do have a blood pressure monitor and check my BP regularly and also check my blood sugar And have regular eye tests.
The locum doctor I saw when I gave u my statins suggested a more expensive and ‘better’ statin which I declined and also talked about diet - porridge etc (as Mary found out) and also said there had been good results with those Flora Pro Acyive type drinks and spreads which I used for a while.
I found a good book called The 8 Week Cholesterol Cure - by some American guy. It was interesting and fairly helpful for awhile, lots of diet information and recipes and I used to make his very tasty Oat Bran Muffins for my breakfast. Then I found they spiked my blood sugar so I’ve given them up in favour of a two egg omelette every morning.
I agree with what GG says and what she says is pretty much my philosophy. My belief is that stressing our about it will do as much if not more harm than high cholesterol.
I wouldn’t panic though, that really won't do you any good.
thank you. I know I'll have to start statins especially when mines not weight or diet caused and I'll definitely try push for the costlier one with less side effects. other than eat more porridge oats and cut chocolate out which I couldn't it's my only go to happy food I've no choice.
my family have strong link to heart disease strokes hypothyroidism and diabetes so it could be anything..but no doubt they won't consider thyroud being a cause it'll be diet overhaul and statins..
I wish I could stop worrying but I can't it's just one thing afyer another..I don't get to sleep til 4am every night it's the loneliest saddest time til dawn then up at 8am for work..so anxiety stress and chest pains go hand in hand with long term sleep deprivation
Gosh, I really feel for you. Especially with the long lonely nights when you lie awake.
Have you emailed TUK for their list of thyroid patient friendly doctors and endocrinologists? If you could get to a decent endo that might help. It’s not right that with a strong family history of thyroid problems your doctor is not taking you seriously. Have you tried taking someone along with you when you go to see your doctor?
The trouble with ‘ranges’ is (as I told my endo,) that the ranges are so wide that by the time you are out of range at either end you are seriously ill. They just don’t seem to get it, then I think they decide because you are a woman and even worse if you are a woman ‘of a certain age’ then it’s your imagination.
I’ve also got a feeling I read or heard that there is some sort of test that can be done to predict the patients whose muscles will be affected by statins before they are actually given them. Unfortunately I didn’t pay that much attention to whatever it was I saw but I’m sure you could find out.
I'll reason that later on..nhs have one solution..high cholestrol in a slim person means only option is a statin or risk a heart attack or stroke there's no middle ground
High cholesterol is diagnostic of being hypothyroid and before the blood tests were invented was one of the big signs. Unfortunately doctors these days know much less about it, and may not even notice.
A freeT3 that fluctuates around the bottom of the range is very low. Most people who are diagnosed as hypothyroid will not have one that low! Unless your TSH is also elevated, that's good evidence for central hypothyroid. Which is the more unusual form of hypothyroid that your doctor may know very little about Waiting for the numbers to go all the way out of range is very extreme. Often the TSH is 'normal'!
If you are getting no joy from doctors looking into central hypothyroid, it may be worth thinking about self medicating. Start reading and getting yourself knowledgeable, learn to interpret blood tests, and figure out what you'd need to do. Doctors are very capable of just leaving people for years and years in your condition
thank you...that's why I joined here as when my 4 cousins who all have hypothyroidism saw my results and heard my symptoms they said get a private test which showed t3 below range then it went just in range with t4 now below but then last one within the bottom of their nhs range always with a low tsh..all this is evident of hypopitituarism an issue with my pitituary but oh no I've made that up read Dr Google too much they said and I know nothing.
now I could be at risk of heart attack and they still don't put the two together
Doctors can be very ignorant of central hypothyroid They depend so much on TSH. Really they should refer you to an endocrinologist, because it's not what they're used to dealing with. I think you should insist and pester them to get it. Although sometimes Endos can be just as bad
I've tried to get them to refer me but as my last test was just in range she doesn't think I have an issue so won't refer me end of..I asked 3 doctors all agree apparently it's nothing wrong with thyroid I'm a 50 year woman whose a hypochondriac and suffers health anxiety!! nice eh
I think the argument has to be that this is central hypothyroid, not the more common form they are families with, so needs to be looked into by an endocrinologist.
Unfortunately this is not easy to do and will definitely be a battle. You definitely want to see every GP that's available to you, and hassle them as much as you're able to. They will be reluctant to do it, so it's a case of having to manage and fight with doctors.
The second option is to prepare to self medicate. Unfortunately this is what many people end up having to do
I will try to see a private endocrinologist and hope I get some confirmation and answers..if not I intend to trial NDT as much as I'd hoped not to without medical backing..but needs must..thanks
Some people seem very prone to xanthelasma (those spots). I have them and my total cholesterol is 3.8 and my triglycerides are also low. Can just be genetic. No real scientific evidence that cholesterol causes heart disease - yes, it is symptom of problems (eg low thyroid), but not a cause of heart disease.
thank you..if I hadn't tested so high 5 years ago I'd hope it was just genetic but I know it'll be high..all I'm getting drummed in is high means blocked arteries means heart attack stroke..all my fault i.e diet lifestyle they will not tie it in with thyroud arrghhh
Cheer yourself up by reading drmalcolmkendrick.org, but there's a lot to read. If you have any energy left, do a web search for Peter Attia cholesterol and read his series - he's a cardiologist.
thank you..that's my early hours reading sorted let's hope it convinces me that a heart attack isn't next on my agenda..thank you x
High cholesterol is not just an over weight unfit persons disease. I knew a women that was close to 400 pounds and she had better cholesterol levels then I did and I was fit and not over weight at that time. After I lost my thyroid my cholesterol levels did get high until I finally got somewhat on a proper thyroid dose and they seem to be drift ever so slow to normal.
That's why I am sure it's a thyroid issue..I'm underweight if anything I exercise work full time eat healthy don't drink and yet sky high cholestrol to what it should be. I have family members who are very large and eat rubbish don't exercise yet have normal cholestrol there must be an underlying issue. it was bad enough feeling so poorly knowing I'm being ignored re the thyroid bit know you throw high cholestrol in the mix I really need to see a private endocrinologist
well...i waited for my partner to come home bef9re I rang for results..no numbers showing to say my actual reading but notes were ' urgent appointment needed to see gp for high level of lipids' so now I'm really freaking out...urgent is not good....I'm seeing a locum gp Tuesday about a different issue but they'll scare me with I'm a walking heart attack etc and MUST START ON A STATIN...I would if I thought this wasn't connected to my thyroid but I'm so sure it is.
I'll tell her I want to hold off until I can see a endo for this hypopitituarisn...a private one...does anyone recommend one in Lancashire area or Manchester that actually knows about secondary hypothyroidism thank you
well I've given my white chocolate away that I eat and replaced with dark and I'm eating 4 pieces of fruit a day from tomorrow. I don't eat enough fruit just lots of vegetables so it's a good thing and although I don't eat much chocolate I need my fix so dark it is even though I hate it..
saying that if it's dangerously high on Tuesday I'll find out the actual figure then no diet in the world will help. I've had panic attack so bad they're getting worse stressing over this I w8sh they'd never tested it 😥😥
Hello..well 2 outcomes at my doctors today..ky cholestrol is still way too high 6.7 but as the other factors like weight blood pressure exercise level are good I'm a 3% risk which she said is higher than the 1% they want but not too bad. she's hoping the cardiologist Thursday will do a blood test to check if I've got hereditary high cholestrol..she did say my 2 squares of milk chocolate is ok to have which is my one treat ...not happy it's so high but expected.
second disappointing outcome was I told her I wanted referring to an endocrinologist to check my pitituary but she said another doctor has spoken to an endocrinologist and they said none of my test results showed a thyroid problem as levels were in range albeit low..I virtually begged and got really upset I'm so low anyway but she said they just won't see anyone when their blood tests show no problem..what happened to treating hypo symptoms..totally gutted but not at all surprised
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Waiting for the numbers to go all the way out of range is very extreme. Often the TSH is 'normal'! 
Eyesight and Thyroid ...any link?
Eye problems
Anybody else suffered from eye twitching while on thyroxine? Been driving me mad. I went to optician.
High TSH & High Free T4
Has anyones Gp over ruled their opticians referral ?
