Anyone got high cholesterol? My Total Cholesterol is 6.4 at pharmacy checkup. Please advice :-(

[mumznet]

Had a skin prick test done at pharmacy. It wasn't a fasing one just a normal test.

I'm 33 years old, eat normal (not processed food cook at home), BMI 25, Female.

Should I be concerned and see my GP? does total cholesterol not mean that much because it doesn't show if we have good cholesterol or bad cholesterol?

Cheersx

[tobee]

I think the fact that you weren't fasting is important here. My sister had one at work without fasting and higher than yours, I think over 9. She spent days worrying while waiting for a gp blood test where she fasted and it was fine. Talking to a friend of mine, she said she'd had a coffee before a cholesterol test and the results were very high and then on retest after fastin, normal.

However, for peace of mind, if I wre you I'd get a fasting test arranged at your gp surgery, and get them to explain what the different readings mean.

[mumznet]

thanks tobee that is reassuring to know, i think its a good idea to do a fasting one.

[allypally999]

mine is 6.9 with fasting so I wouldn't worry ... just do it again with fasting and you'll be fine

[Mrshumptydumpty]

Ally mine was 7.5 fasting, however as I have no other risk factors for cardiac disease my GP was adamant they would not offer cholesterol lowering meds!!!

You could probably get yours down to a normal level with plant sterols ( benecal or cheaper versions).

[Musicaltheatremum]

Aagh typed reply and then ipad froze.
You need fasting and the good and bad cholesterols. Your risk depends on all sorts of things. Race, BP smoking history and family history. The chances of you being very high risk of cardiovascular disease being female and 33 are minimal. I think these finger pricks shouldn't be done before they have looked at your other risk factors as it causes unnecessary worry and more work for the GP surgeries.

[Musicaltheatremum]

Mrs humptydumpty. Quite right of your GP

[mumznet]

mrshumptydumpty (nice name btw!) I'm glad to know you don't need any meds. I only went in to test my blood glucose and was offered other tests blood pressure, pulse etc. musicaltheatre I agree it does make you worried, i think these tests are here to make people more aware and its a government scheme I've heard to have less money spent on NHS.

oh well at least it has made me look at my lifestyle,
thanks for your support everyone [big grin]

[mumznet]

ooops i got the smiley wrong lol