Bad News - High Cholesterol

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  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    Which value in particular was high? I have been a vegetarian for 26 years. About 10 years ago, I had a high overall cholesterol reading, but the main contributor was my triglycerides. The doctor I was seeing at the time recommended stopping refined carbohydrates so I switched to whole grains for everything and my cholesterol turned around completely, and I have maintained good values in the decade since with my last three total cholesterol readings being 150, 150, and 149. (I also started taking algae-based omega-3 DHA/EPA supplements but fish oil would work if you are not vegetarian.)

    That advice may not help if triglycerides aren't your problem.

    Funny thing is I used to eat low sugar oats to help as well but my cholesterol still never went down and I got sick of eating oats too.
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    psuLemon wrote: »
    AquaMeow wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    What exactly was high? What do your labs look like?

    Give me a few hours and I will post the results on here. I just got a phone call about it but I need to log into my patient portal after work.

    Cool.

    There are some numbers that are more important than others. Triglycerides, A1C, HDL, LDL-P (not really tested), and CRP are better correlation factors.

    I will check when I get home and post it here, thanks :)
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    NovusDies wrote: »
    If you are this concerned about your cholesterol ask your doctor to order you an x-ray to see if there is plaque build-up in your arteries.

    You need to take a moment and calm yourself though. This news is not terminal and you should not treat it that way. It could be very temporary condition caused by weight loss. Your doctor has not even prescribed a statin for you yet, right? You may not even need one.

    You would benefit from seeing a registered dietition though so you can separate the truth from the malarkey that you have been told.

    The thing is too even when I was weighing less in the past (138) I still had high cholesterol but my bmi and body fat were in normal range but your right I should look into that. I hope it's nothing serious :/
  • nooboots
    nooboots Posts: 480 Member
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    Someone has probably already mentioned this as I havent read the whole thread but what is the ratio of your good cholesterol to your bad cholesterol
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,464 Member
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    For what period of time have you been actively trying to lower your cholesterol through the lifestyle changes you mention? I assume 6-12 months since cholesterol tests usually aren’t done too frequently?
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    julq3weyvizs.jpg

    Here are my results.
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    J72FIT wrote: »
    I would hold off on suggestions until we see OP's numbers. Curious to see if there is really anything to worry about...

    Its posted
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    nooboots wrote: »
    Someone has probably already mentioned this as I havent read the whole thread but what is the ratio of your good cholesterol to your bad cholesterol

    Its posted go check
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    fittocycle wrote: »
    I’d recommend eating old fashioned oats for breakfast (not flavored or quick cook). Add in some ground flaxseed and a tablespoon of walnuts. Make sure you get your healthy fats in. Add in a high quality fish oil capsule each day. Cut out processed food and sugar. Add in some HIIT workouts, strength training, and yoga. Be patient. You’ll see a difference!

    I'm allergic to walnuts. But the other foods I can eat and I'm already doing HIIT
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
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    How concerned was your doctor about your cholesterol results? What did they say?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,404 MFP Moderator
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    Your total cholesterol is high because your LDL is high. But your triglycerides are good. Your non HDL ratio is 4.2 which isn't too outside of a good range.

    Did they do CRP or A1C?

    Most of the current research suggest that LDL is a poor indicator and the LDL-P (particulate size) is a much better indicator. But that is a different test.

    Another consideration is family history. Does heart disease run in your family?

    My LDL has barely ever changed. Its caused by both my parents. But there is no heart disease in my family. My Non HDL ratio is the same as yours and all my other markers (CRP, triglycerides, A1C) are all in good positions.

    You could ask for a follow up with a specialist so you can get a much more in-depth panel.
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    apullum wrote: »
    How concerned was your doctor about your cholesterol results? What did they say?

    Pretty concerned since it was like this last year ..
  • AquaMeow
    AquaMeow Posts: 296 Member
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    psuLemon wrote: »
    Your total cholesterol is high because your LDL is high. But your triglycerides are good. Your non HDL ratio is 4.2 which isn't too outside of a good range.

    Did they do CRP or A1C?

    Most of the current research suggest that LDL is a poor indicator and the LDL-P (particulate size) is a much better indicator. But that is a different test.

    Another consideration is family history. Does heart disease run in your family?

    My LDL has barely ever changed. Its caused by both my parents. But there is no heart disease in my family. My Non HDL ratio is the same as yours and all my other markers (CRP, triglycerides, A1C) are all in good positions.

    You could ask for a follow up with a specialist so you can get a much more in-depth panel.

    I asked my mom and both my parents are in good health. No heart disease, diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure for both. My mom did say she eats alot of cheese though lol since forever xD
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,404 MFP Moderator
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    AquaMeow wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    Your total cholesterol is high because your LDL is high. But your triglycerides are good. Your non HDL ratio is 4.2 which isn't too outside of a good range.

    Did they do CRP or A1C?

    Most of the current research suggest that LDL is a poor indicator and the LDL-P (particulate size) is a much better indicator. But that is a different test.

    Another consideration is family history. Does heart disease run in your family?

    My LDL has barely ever changed. Its caused by both my parents. But there is no heart disease in my family. My Non HDL ratio is the same as yours and all my other markers (CRP, triglycerides, A1C) are all in good positions.

    You could ask for a follow up with a specialist so you can get a much more in-depth panel.

    I asked my mom and both my parents are in good health. No heart disease, diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure for both. My mom did say she eats alot of cheese though lol since forever xD

    Definitely discuss with a specialist, but your probably have a genetic propensity to having a high LDL. Even more so if they want to put you on a drug.