High Cholesterol

[Knic]

Hi,

I am 35 years older, health weight/diet, do not smoke.

However my cholesterol level is 5.7 - I am unsure what else I can do to lower it and I’m feeling very anxious that it’s high especially given my age. The nurse said that high cholesterol increases risk of stroke and heart attacks which has further worried me.

I have an appointment next week for a blood pressure test, however I’m really worrying now

Any advice/experience greatly appreciated.

[sandybrown]

Hi,Please discuss this number with your doctor.

Your doctor can do QRISK analysis with your other medical information.

Relax and enjoy life, take a look at UK average total cholesterol number.

[Knic in reply to sandybrown]

Thank you, I am finding it hard not to worry 😔 and even worrying every time I eat now. I am having my blood pressure next week, so maybe that will help determine what they do next.

[sandybrown in reply to Knic]

Hello,Please have a look at the information in this link below:

patient.info/news-and-featu...

"Cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L) in the UK. The government recommends the general population aims for under 5 mmol/L of total cholesterol (TC) levels, but three out of five adults in the UK have levels of 5 mmol/L or above.

Your GP will explain your cholesterol readings and what they mean in terms of your future health - mainly whether you have a high, moderate or low risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) within the next 10 years.

After the test, you may just be given the TC figure, but ask your surgery for your full results and keep a note of them to compare against future checks. "

Here’s a quick guide to understanding your cholesterol levels.

The link can take you to full explanation

[Emma2017]

Hi mine was routinely checked and turned out to be 6.8. Long story short, was put on statins, subsequently had 3D heartscan and it showed arteries were completely clean, heart was healthy. So specialist said I could throw all the heart meds away. I think my higher reading might have been the lack of exercise (had 4 spine ops and was and still am to some degree not very active). So beside not smoking and a healthy diet you have to remain active enough and go for daily walks.

[lyricalcy]

Repatha is the best drug i found. Can't afford it apply with the program with the help of your Physician. Wish I had found it sooner. May not have had 2 heartattacks and 2 strokes.

[Madowl]

Hi Knic

Seriously, you have nothing to worry about. Read 'The Great Cholesterol Con' by Dr Malcolm Kendrick, a current practising UK GP. My cholesterol is 6.5 and I dont worry at all. The number for a 'safe' cholesterol level has been changing all the time and is meaningless, I know someone whose has never been below 9.5, they are healthy and have refused statins, as I have. Doctors make money from prescribing the most profitable drug in the world ie statins. Another thing to consider is that a number of studies around the world that have had trouble getting published have shown that lower levels of cholesterol actually increase your cancer risk. At 5.7 you really have nothing to worry about, but read the above mentioned book to put your mind at ease. Main thing is exercise regularly, keep your weight under control, dont smoke and keep stress levels under control, which you seem to be doing anyway, so dont worry. Hope this helps.

[TheJazzSinger]

Hi Knic, Dr. Aseem Malhotra, consultant cardiologist and Chair of the Public Health Collaboration: phcuk.org, has a new book out called ‘A Statin-Free Life’ which is worth reading. Risks of a heart attack or stroke are not just about your TC or LDL but a number of factors, the biggest risk being diet, lack of exercise, body weight, etc., so basically lifestyle. 5.7 doesn’t look like anything to worry about.

[sandybrown in reply to TheJazzSinger]

Would it be possible for you to list the number of factors to keep healthy.?

Thanks.

[TheJazzSinger]

Hi Knic, I’m no expert and my answers come from my own research through books, research papers and others’ experiences. Highly processed food should be avoided like too many takeaways, white bread, rice & pasta (opt for wholemeal/wholegrain/wholewheat), limit anything with sugar like cakes, biscuits, ice creams, sweets and fizzy drinks. Try and keep to a waist size of 31.5” (for ladies) and a BMI under 25. You’re young and 5.7 is not bad. Lots of people with high LDL don’t develop heart or stroke problems. If you know your HDLand triglycerides and HDL is high and TG low, that’s good. Also your HBA1c to detect diabetes should be in the healthy range. There’s too much pushing of statins these days. Read Dr.Malhotra’s book or Google/YouTube him and it will put your mind at rest.

[sandybrown]

Hello,

I had a look at most of your other posts!

Please check with your doctor on the cholesterol number.

Also other medical conditions.