Holy Cholesterol Batman!

[Jeramie]

So I went in for blood test and a routine checkup this week. The last time I had my Chelesterol checked was 2007. It was 158 back then and my doctor told me to watch it.

Results came back today, 287.... Looks like im now going to be on medicine for the first time in my life. Its WAY too high for a 34 year old but is something that runs highly in my family. My dad and grandad both had major heart surgery at points in their life.

The good news is I get to start running again every day. I enjoy working out (always have) but havent had the time or havent taken the time to do so. Given this new test result its now a must not an option.

I dont eat bad. Im actually down 22lbs so ive been eating really good but apparently that isnt going to be near enough to curb the problem...

[LifeNRA]

Results came back today, 287.... Looks like im now going to be on medicine for the first time in my life. Its WAY too high for a 34 year old but is something that runs highly in my family. My dad and grandad both had major heart surgery at points in their life.

Yeah been there done that! When I got tested 5-6 years ago, I was 282. After three months of Lipitor, 121. But since heart problems also run in my family, besides having chest pains back then as well. I been taking them since that time. My doc wants me around 100 or less. Just last week I got a call from him telling me to now DOUBLE my meds. 40mg to 80mg because I was 111! Now I didn't think that this number was all that high. Be he does. Now I get tested once a year. Except this time, I go back in 6 weeks.

One thing about high cholesterol meds. Be aware of cramping! Mostly in the legs, but it can happen anywhere. If this happens, tell your doc ASAP! You might have to try a few different meds before they find one thats right for you.

[Shaun_300]

Sounds pretty high Jeramie, hopefully the meds and extra work out will help.

[Newarcher]

Jeramie......welcome to old age and decrepity my friend.

Ask your doctor about Niaspan instead of one of the other drugs. Niaspan is the extended release version of Niacin which is actually a B vitamin. I would rather take a B vitamin than a drug.

Niacin/Niaspan works by increasing the good cholesterol, decreasing bad and decreasing triglicerides.

Another side benefit is that lab testing has shown that it actually helps reverse cholesterol that has already coagulated in your arteries, especially the small brain arteries, etc.

Now, have one of your children read this and explain it to you. Your dementia will likely interfere with comprehension! Welcome to the end my friend! :48:

New

[wtnhunt]

That is way too high Jeramie. We avoid fast foods and a don't eat lot of fried stuff, but still have some problems here, hereditary along with heart problems. Been taking fish oil as recommended by the cardiologist last time I was in. Trying to avoid ending up on cholesterol meds. I take the fish oil every night with my vitamins, unfortunately sounds like you are well beyond that point.

Your post here reminds me I was supposed to go back in for bloodwork and a checkup at six months after my stress test last summer, ..... oooops.

[Turkeygirl]

Wow, that is high! Hopefully you can get it down and keep it under control with diet and exercise..I feel now a days, doctors do more over-medicating...

Did you tell the Dr. "Well hunting season will be starting soon, my cholesterol will go down then, it's just up from the summer" lol;)

[bfletch7441]

Hope they get it under control for you.

Ben

[c_lou]

I've been taking Lovastatin for the past year or so. Mine was not that high, but it was high enough for somebody my age.

Sucks getting old.

[TBow]

My doc told me that cholesterol numbers are only one part of the equation. They also ike to factor in life style and family history in to get your personal number, or risk factor.

Issues factored in are, do you smoke, are you over weight, is there a family history of heart disease, what's your dietary routine, etc. I think in a lot of cases life style changes and dietary regulation would be more beneficial than upping the meds, but unfortunately, most of us have problems with sticking to a plan, especially when you get the munchie urge and there's lots of saturated fat goodies just lying around handy.

Lots of veggies and fruits, high fibre foods and meals with omega3s will certainly aid in keeping you regular and assist in low cholesteral numbers. I think a lot of docs are quick to say, "Take a pill!", rather than, "Change your life!".

And I find many people who go the "jogging" route, usually don't stick to that routine (for the rest of their lives) in order for it to be truly beneficial. I've heard that brisk walks are every bit as good for your cardiovascular system, are easir on your skeletol framework, are more enjoyable and possibly chances are you'll stick with it longer as you can carry a walking routine into old age. PLUS, you can walk while you're hunting in the woods. Good excuse to tell the bride you got'ta go hunting to stay healthy! I don't RUN across a lot of jogging hunters in the woods!

TBow....and yes I've had the, "You've got'ta get your cholesterol numbers down", from my doc too!

[redkneck]

I hear ya. Last mine was checked it was 248, up from 184 when I was eating right and working out. I need to go and have a checkup, something I haven't done in a lot of years. Maybe a bad report will get me on the straight and narrow.

[PA_RIDGE_RUNNER]

I too had a cholestrol count problem. I also had a bit of a weight problem along with being just tired all the time and no stamina. Up to that time I had been running 3 miles a day and sometimes 4. I had to walk half way and then walked all the way. I got checked out and found out my thyroid had quit. After having everything checked twice there was nothing wrong with the thyroid it had just stopped working. The dr put me on levoxyl and in about 6 months I had dropped 30 pounds and my cholestrol dropped from 251 to 180. Now it is in the low 100s and I have some energy again. It is more common than I thought too so if you are exhibiting my problems a blood test will tell if yours is working as it should.