"Preparing" for a cholesterol test.
rosebette
Posts: 1,660 Member
I have had an issue with moderately elevated cholesterol (over 200 with LDL over 130) for several years, although I am fit, normal weight, and in otherwise good health. Every checkup I get the lipid test and if my cholesterol is high, sometimes my doctor will try to talk me into a statin. So usually, before I have my blood test, I give up eggs and animal fats for a week to 10 days and double my dose of fish oil to "prep" for a good result. This time, however, due to a busy schedule and poor planning, my annual physical is scheduled for next Friday and I have to do my bloodwork on Monday. Friday, I had an omelette with cheese for breakfast, and I wonder if the cholesterol from that will still be in my system by the time of the blood test. Is there anything I can eat or a supplement I can take to rid my system of the cholesterol? This morning, I ate oatmeal with chia seeds and I'm going to eat fish for the next two days. I'm also wondering whether I should take some psyllium or other fiber type laxative.
By the way, I know that allegedly dietary cholesterol is not supposed to affect the numbers, but mine does. When I've been tested right after a vacation or holiday when I was eating a lot of high fat food, my numbers would usually be pretty high.
By the way, I know that allegedly dietary cholesterol is not supposed to affect the numbers, but mine does. When I've been tested right after a vacation or holiday when I was eating a lot of high fat food, my numbers would usually be pretty high.
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Replies
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I'm your opposite. I try to eat as normal as possible so that my test results will be accurate.
Isn't that what everyone would want? Real numbers?0 -
For a small percentage dietary cholesterol does impact their blood levels.
I would eat normally. Trying to fool your doctor is really only fooling yourself. Having said that, before you agree to statins, I urge you to do research on them. They are not the 'best thing since sliced bread' that the pharma companies want you to think they are.0 -
I would never try to make a test deliberately inaccurate. I mean, in the end you're only cheating yourself and your health.
My grandfather used to try to do the same thing with his blood sugar (he was T2 diabetic) and all it "earned" him was worse control of his blood sugar and more complications.0 -
I agree why try to fool your doctor. If you have a problem follow your low colesteral diet all the time. That would be the best way to stay off the statins.0
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That's what my dad does- eats healthy before. Makes absolutely no sense to me. Watch out for salt too though- high sodium can bump up cholesterol0
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For a small percentage dietary cholesterol does impact their blood levels.
I would eat normally. Trying to fool your doctor is really only fooling yourself. Having said that, before you agree to statins, I urge you to do research on them. They are not the 'best thing since sliced bread' that the pharma companies want you to think they are.
I actually do follow a pretty good diet, but I do eat eggs to up my protein, not every day, but maybe 2 to 3 times a week. I don't think I'm "fooling" my doctor because I'm not stuffing myself with donuts and high fat foods as a rule.
However, I do want to avoid the statin due to the side effects of joint and muscle pain, as I already have some significant pain due to osteroarthritis. My mom (also slim with a reasonably healthy diet) was put on them and had to stop because of acute pain. I also have concerns about doctors overmedicating due to an arbritrary number. A few years back when I was under the care of a different doctor, she wanted to put me on a statin when my total cholesterol was only 190 for "protective benefits." I later changed doctor.
While my cholesterol numbers are high, there is a very low risk of heart diseases in my family -- all the women live to be in their 90s.0 -
So rather than fake test results, have an accurate test and have an honest discussion with your doctor about the pros and cons of statins and why you're averse to the idea. Your medical care is a partnership, and you are the senior partner. He has no ability to forcibly medicate you against your will - all he can do is talk to you or offer to write a prescription. If you can't have an honest relationship with your doctor, you should definitely get another doctor with whom you can.
Getting an accurate picture of the situation helps you both, and he may have other recommendations on ways to manage cholesterol that don't involve statins.0 -
Tell the doc that the side effects are not worth it. Lots of patients have those talks with their doctors.0
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Eat normally. Get the proper results. Go from there.0
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If you have problems with cholesterol try drinking a cup of betroot-lemon juice couple of times a week, or if it's really bad, every day.
My uncle used to do it every time his cholesterol jumped up, and for him it worked really well.
Betroot-lemon juice has a lot of benefits, and it tastes good.0 -
Statins don't cause joint pain in all or even most of the people who take them, but some folks have problems. My dad had to try 4 of them before he found the one that didn't cause joint pain and he's been doing well for years (major heart disease). They don't cause liver problems for most people, just some of them. I've been on one for almost a year, though I was reluctant at first. There is longevity on both sides of my family but there is also heart disease in my dad's maternal side. At first (3years) I was able to keep my cholesterol down by 30 points by eating oatmeal for breakfast every day. That stopped working. I tried fish oil, I eat carefully. My cholesterol kept climbing. So I agreed to the pill. My provider monitors my liver function closely and I would report aches and pains in a flash. My cholesterol is down and my only side effect is embarrassing, but not painful.....I fart....a lot. Could be worse
!
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Highly recommend checking out The Great Cholesterol Con by Dr Malcolm Kendrick.0
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katzenfluff wrote: »Statins don't cause joint pain in all or even most of the people who take them, but some folks have problems. My dad had to try 4 of them before he found the one that didn't cause joint pain and he's been doing well for years (major heart disease). They don't cause liver problems for most people, just some of them. I've been on one for almost a year, though I was reluctant at first. There is longevity on both sides of my family but there is also heart disease in my dad's maternal side. At first (3years) I was able to keep my cholesterol down by 30 points by eating oatmeal for breakfast every day. That stopped working. I tried fish oil, I eat carefully. My cholesterol kept climbing. So I agreed to the pill. My provider monitors my liver function closely and I would report aches and pains in a flash. My cholesterol is down and my only side effect is embarrassing, but not painful.....I fart....a lot. Could be worse!
How high was your cholesterol when your doctor finally insisted on medication?0 -
katzenfluff wrote: »Statins don't cause joint pain in all or even most of the people who take them, but some folks have problems. My dad had to try 4 of them before he found the one that didn't cause joint pain and he's been doing well for years (major heart disease). They don't cause liver problems for most people, just some of them. I've been on one for almost a year, though I was reluctant at first. There is longevity on both sides of my family but there is also heart disease in my dad's maternal side. At first (3years) I was able to keep my cholesterol down by 30 points by eating oatmeal for breakfast every day. That stopped working. I tried fish oil, I eat carefully. My cholesterol kept climbing. So I agreed to the pill. My provider monitors my liver function closely and I would report aches and pains in a flash. My cholesterol is down and my only side effect is embarrassing, but not painful.....I fart....a lot. Could be worse!
How high was your cholesterol when your doctor finally insisted on medication?
Fish oil does nothing for someone with a per-existing condition.0 -
Wetcoaster wrote: »katzenfluff wrote: »Statins don't cause joint pain in all or even most of the people who take them, but some folks have problems. My dad had to try 4 of them before he found the one that didn't cause joint pain and he's been doing well for years (major heart disease). They don't cause liver problems for most people, just some of them. I've been on one for almost a year, though I was reluctant at first. There is longevity on both sides of my family but there is also heart disease in my dad's maternal side. At first (3years) I was able to keep my cholesterol down by 30 points by eating oatmeal for breakfast every day. That stopped working. I tried fish oil, I eat carefully. My cholesterol kept climbing. So I agreed to the pill. My provider monitors my liver function closely and I would report aches and pains in a flash. My cholesterol is down and my only side effect is embarrassing, but not painful.....I fart....a lot. Could be worse!
How high was your cholesterol when your doctor finally insisted on medication?
Fish oil does nothing for someone with a per-existing condition.
FIFY. Many studies, no evidence of efficacy. The hypothesis that w-3 protects against heart disease originated with the Inuit. Turns out the Inuit have a gene adaptation that changes how they respond to saturated fats. It is the gene adaptation, not the w-3, that is the protective factor.
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For a small percentage dietary cholesterol does impact their blood levels.
I would eat normally. Trying to fool your doctor is really only fooling yourself. Having said that, before you agree to statins, I urge you to do research on them. They are not the 'best thing since sliced bread' that the pharma companies want you to think they are.
I actually do follow a pretty good diet, but I do eat eggs to up my protein, not every day, but maybe 2 to 3 times a week. I don't think I'm "fooling" my doctor because I'm not stuffing myself with donuts and high fat foods as a rule.
However, I do want to avoid the statin due to the side effects of joint and muscle pain, as I already have some significant pain due to osteroarthritis. My mom (also slim with a reasonably healthy diet) was put on them and had to stop because of acute pain. I also have concerns about doctors overmedicating due to an arbritrary number. A few years back when I was under the care of a different doctor, she wanted to put me on a statin when my total cholesterol was only 190 for "protective benefits." I later changed doctor.
While my cholesterol numbers are high, there is a very low risk of heart diseases in my family -- all the women live to be in their 90s.Tell the doc that the side effects are not worth it. Lots of patients have those talks with their doctors.
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my colesteral was high and I had a stroke, wish I had the statins sooner. Their alot better than this. My colesteral Is heretitary, I had 2 uncles that died from it too.0
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10 days of change won't impact LDL or HDL; these are better long term bio markers of cholesterol (transport). Triglycerides on the other hand are more sensitive to transient short term changes...i.e. Eating before a lipid panel will spike triglycerides in contrast to having negligible effects on LDL & HDL. Fish oil is only effective for triglyceride lowering; can increase HDL slightly (about single digit % increases) & can be variable on LDL, anywhere from 0-40% increase (proposed theory is due to DHA...VASCEPA (eicosapentanoic acid/EPA) has not shown this increase in LDL in clinical trials).
It's like a type 2 diabetic trying to cheat on a blood glucose test...one reading he or she can get away with, but there's no fooling an HbA1C test (reflects past 120 days)...unless of course you can somehow use someone else's blood.
There is nothing wrong with "statins", it's always about determining risk vs. benefit. Google atherogenic diet or TLC diet; lifestyle changes are ALWAYS recommended before pharmacological therapy.0 -
OH MY PEOPLE....take the test and get the result...change after not before. what is wrong with you guys.0
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If you've had it to here with it, the thing that needs "flushing" is the drug pushing. Consider asking them point blank how many drug company mugs they currently own and informing them there will be no statins going down your throat, possibly followed by shopping for a new doctor. This will likely not be the last time they push drugs first, especially if you aren't blunt about it, and it may not be as glaringly obvious the next time.0
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My total cholesterol is 235 and my ldl is only slightly over 130. My dad can't take statins but my mom does. My dad has muscle damage from taking the statin drugs his cholesterol runs around 400 Both my parents eat a healthy diet and exercise they are both in their 70's and walk at least 10,000 steps a day. I told my doctor about my concerns with taking the drugs she is ok with me not taking them because my bad cholesterol is only slightly over and my ratio of good to bad is really good. My brother is taking a statin and has no problems.0
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rankinsect wrote: »So rather than fake test results, have an accurate test and have an honest discussion with your doctor about the pros and cons of statins and why you're averse to the idea. Your medical care is a partnership, and you are the senior partner. He has no ability to forcibly medicate you against your will - all he can do is talk to you or offer to write a prescription. If you can't have an honest relationship with your doctor, you should definitely get another doctor with whom you can.
Getting an accurate picture of the situation helps you both, and he may have other recommendations on ways to manage cholesterol that don't involve statins.
And who knows what other plans or decisions the doctor might be making based on these results - not necessarily related to the statin? And doesn't cholesterol testing usually involve a blood draw? So OP you'll get stuck with a needle and blood drawn just for fake results - is this your idea of a good time or something?
Repeat: you're an adult and no one can force you to go on medication you do not want. If you're going to take a test, I suggest you let it return results that reflect the true state of your body
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Why would you try to trick your dr? Either you trust your dr and need to be honest, or you don't, so find a new dr.0
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JanetYellen wrote: »I'm your opposite. I try to eat as normal as possible so that my test results will be accurate.
Isn't that what everyone would want? Real numbers?
This.0 -
I guess the other question is what is "normal" eating? I eat red meat about once a week (or less -- and I did have a 6 oz. steak at the 99 on Wednesday) and have eggs two to 3 times a week and occasionally eat small amounts of cheese. I don't eat a lot of baked goods (although indulged in a gluten free brownie at church today) or processed carbs. It's not like I'm stuffing down the fries and bacon cheese burgers.
I just decided to not eat eggs until the test but I am eating some lean pork loin tonight because that was what I had planned for a family dinner. I'll just limit my portion to under 4 oz.
Regarding my numbers, my total cholesterol tends to be around 220, LDL around 140 (once it was 170 and when that happened, I didn't eat an egg or red meat for about six months to get it back down because the doctor was saying if it wasn't 50 points lower, I would be on a statin), and my HDL is usually 60+ because I exercise. I guess if the LDL and total number does turn out to be high this time around, I'll have to swear off eggs and any red meat to get it back into line or take a statin.
On an unrelated topic, your dog Corgicoke is so cute! My daughter has one that she's adopted, and it's been love at first sight.0 -
My nan refused drugs! Slim, active and no history at all in our family she had a stroke then 6 months later a heart attack, my nan is no longer with us.....don't fake results and listen to your doctor.....as for those saying that medications only fund the pharma?? The pharma would make more money out of people having heart attacks and strokes through hospital administrations/surgery and the resulting drugs to keep you alive....I'm sick of hearing the pharma excuse for doctors using drugs!0
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*runs in*
Eating eggs lowered my cholesterol.
*runs out*
*sticks head back in*
But don't try that if you have a family history and/or there's no good reason for it to be high.
*removes head from door*0 -
summerkissed wrote: »My nan refused drugs! Slim, active and no history at all in our family she had a stroke then 6 months later a heart attack, my nan is no longer with us.....don't fake results and listen to your doctor.....as for those saying that medications only fund the pharma?? The pharma would make more money out of people having heart attacks and strokes through hospital administrations/surgery and the resulting drugs to keep you alive....I'm sick of hearing the pharma excuse for doctors using drugs!
And my father had a heart attack and his cholesterol is normal. Its the whole correlation and causation thing. Just because you can site a couple of examples doesn't make it so. People shouldn't blindly listen to everything they are told. Not from strangers on a website and not from a doctor. Do your homework.0 -
summerkissed wrote: »My nan refused drugs! Slim, active and no history at all in our family she had a stroke then 6 months later a heart attack, my nan is no longer with us.....don't fake results and listen to your doctor.....as for those saying that medications only fund the pharma?? The pharma would make more money out of people having heart attacks and strokes through hospital administrations/surgery and the resulting drugs to keep you alive....I'm sick of hearing the pharma excuse for doctors using drugs!
And my father had a heart attack and his cholesterol is normal. Its the whole correlation and causation thing. Just because you can site a couple of examples doesn't make it so. People shouldn't blindly listen to everything they are told. Not from strangers on a website and not from a doctor. Do your homework.
Aren't all these people scare mongering strangers??? And none of the are doctors
I've done my dam homework and I buried my nan! I'm sick of everyone bashing "big pharma" as though they are the devil at work! I'm just saying why fake a test? When that test could save your life and those drugs could save your life. Nan had high cholesterol, we have no family history, she was never overweight, she was fit, she never ate processed foods, she was old fashioned and cooked everything from scratch, she hadn't smoked for 20 years. She listened to my anti pharma and anti vaccine cousin who said she didn't need the drugs! And that doctors are paid to prescribe them!!! My Nan's not here now and what if there's a chance she could still be?
All I'm saying is don't fake a test and don't listen to all the scare mongering about big pharma coming from strangers!
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