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To think these cholesterol values are very bad?

111 replies

AtDeathsDoor · 14/10/2024 22:32

Cholesterol level 8.26 mmol/L
LDL cholesterol level 6.04 mmol/L
HDL cholesterol level 1.27 mmol/L
non HDL cholesterol level 6.99 mmol/L
cholesterol/HDL ratio 6.5 mmol/mmol

Should I be seriously worried about these values?
I’m ok about dropping down dead but I don’t want to be incapacitated
I’m mid fifties and obese.

OP posts:
soupfiend · 15/10/2024 21:53

Puttingupscaffolds · 15/10/2024 21:52

You have to. You've got to think about everyone else too. Your actions are affecting the nhs.

Oh fuck off

Puttingupscaffolds · 15/10/2024 21:52

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 17:10

Another 8 snickers today. I just don’t care enough about myself ☹️

You have to. You've got to think about everyone else too. Your actions are affecting the nhs.

Puttingupscaffolds · 15/10/2024 21:51

AtDeathsDoor · 14/10/2024 23:09

I had 8 snickers bars and 2 bags of crisps for dinner so I guess that isn’t helping 😳

This has to be a joke

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:48

unsync · 15/10/2024 21:42

Alpen sugar free would be a good start, you could have it with low fat greek yoghurt so it would give you some protein too.

Getting your depression meds sorted out would be a great step forwards. I went through loads of different meds until I got the right one. It makes a big difference to being able to function (or not).

When I was very poorly, it helped to set goals so that I didn't feel so useless all the time. Just stuff like getting out of bed and going downstairs. Then I'd progress to brushing teeth and washing my face. On good days, I could even get in the shower.

I think people who haven't had clinical depression really don't get how overwhelming everyday life can be. Just take it one day at a time, it will get better even though I know you can't see it. Don't beat yourself up. You are ill. My doctor said to me once 'you are sad not bad' so don't punish yourself. Keep going, you can do it.

Thanks @unsync, that’s really kind.
Im glad you have managed to get your depression under control

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMooncup · 15/10/2024 21:46

Super quick meals, pretty much 2 minutes' prep time maximum:

Bag of salad from the supermarket, couple of jars of pickles you like, tin of Mackerel in flavoured olive oil/tuna, precooked salmon or prawns, punnet of cherry tomatoes - half the salad in a bowl, few cherry tomatoes, add some spoonfuls of beetroot/olives/sandwich gherkins, open tin and dump fish on top, add lemon juice/pepper if you've got it, maybe a bread roll - 30-odd seconds from opening the salad to ready to eat.

Next lunch - other half of salad bag, different fish.

Microwaved packs of veg and new potatoes.

Microwave jacket potatoes.

Maybe a bag of microwave rice + prawns or cooked chicken with salad.

Breakfasts - big blob of yoghurt, some dates, some brazils/walnuts/pecans and some seeds, tablespoon or two of cereal on top. Maybe get some strawberries for a couple of days or banana, maybe kiwi, whatever fruit you like. Or plain yoghurt, dates, nuts & seeds, blob of peanut butter and some fortified chocolate cereal on top.

Feeling a bit cold and miserable? Make up some chicken stock from a cube, throw in some rice noodles, frozen peas, couple of cherry tomatoes quartered, a few prawns or chicken, cut up a spring onion with scissors, add soy and some chilli flakes. Do it in a largish mug, stick a saucer over the top and by the time the noodles are soft and the peas are warmed through, it's cool enough to drink/eat.

Minimal time in the kitchen, minimal effort, as it's largely opening things, but a lot of colour, nutrition and flavour.

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:45

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 21:39

Are you a bit 'all or nothing'?

How overweight are you, running when you're very heavy, even the walking sections may be troublesome but then you may be very able, aplogies if not

Yep, definitely all-or-nothing 😀
My BMi is about 33 so well into the obese category.
I have completed the C25k a couple of times before but it is hard on the joints when so heavy.

OP posts:
unsync · 15/10/2024 21:42

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 19:37

Thanks for the suggestion but that would be too ambitious for me at the moment.
I don’t usually eat anything until mid afternoon but I used to have alpen sugar free muesli with a banana and semi-skimmed milk for breakfast. Would that be a good option to try again?

Alpen sugar free would be a good start, you could have it with low fat greek yoghurt so it would give you some protein too.

Getting your depression meds sorted out would be a great step forwards. I went through loads of different meds until I got the right one. It makes a big difference to being able to function (or not).

When I was very poorly, it helped to set goals so that I didn't feel so useless all the time. Just stuff like getting out of bed and going downstairs. Then I'd progress to brushing teeth and washing my face. On good days, I could even get in the shower.

I think people who haven't had clinical depression really don't get how overwhelming everyday life can be. Just take it one day at a time, it will get better even though I know you can't see it. Don't beat yourself up. You are ill. My doctor said to me once 'you are sad not bad' so don't punish yourself. Keep going, you can do it.

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:41

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 21:39

Are you a bit 'all or nothing'?

How overweight are you, running when you're very heavy, even the walking sections may be troublesome but then you may be very able, aplogies if not

This. I tried c25k it's a lot harder then you think it's gonna be I never managed to complete it

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 21:39

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:16

Am I likely to have a heart attack or a stroke if I start C25k with those cholesterol levels?

Are you a bit 'all or nothing'?

How overweight are you, running when you're very heavy, even the walking sections may be troublesome but then you may be very able, aplogies if not

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 21:37

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:08

This is of the nhs site

The ratio should be under 4 I believe as well

LightSpeeds · 15/10/2024 21:37

Oh, and I saw the surgery pharmacist who was brilliant.

She went through my blood test results and all my meds (not just the new ones I was starting). We covered other stuff too, which she helped with.

I came out of the appointment feeling like I'd had a really positive experience. It covered a lot more than a GP 'one-issue' appointment.

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:36

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:35

These worked for me to

Thanks, I’ll try them

OP posts:
Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:35

These worked for me to

To think these cholesterol values are very bad?
Doubleflux · 15/10/2024 21:30

I have seen much worse. If your head is not in the game to change your lifestyle just yet, take the drugs. Modern pharmacology is a life safer.

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:30

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:26

No but I think your main focus should be on diet more then exercise at this point

Ok, thanks. I think I could cut out sweet food completely like chocolate, cakes etc.
That would be easier than trying to eat healthier meals, as the first step at least.

OP posts:
Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:26

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:16

Am I likely to have a heart attack or a stroke if I start C25k with those cholesterol levels?

No but I think your main focus should be on diet more then exercise at this point

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 21:16

Am I likely to have a heart attack or a stroke if I start C25k with those cholesterol levels?

OP posts:
Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:08

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:07

According to nhs it was December 2023 however I think by the sounds of it, it depends what readings drs are talking about according to that cholesterol should be under 5 bad cholesterol should be under 4. So I think this is where the confusion is coming from

This is of the nhs site

To think these cholesterol values are very bad?
Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 21:07

BirthdayRainbow · 15/10/2024 20:22

Must be very recently since this was a fortnight ago. Either way I'm ok.

According to nhs it was December 2023 however I think by the sounds of it, it depends what readings drs are talking about according to that cholesterol should be under 5 bad cholesterol should be under 4. So I think this is where the confusion is coming from

BirthdayRainbow · 15/10/2024 20:22

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 20:13

The guidelines have changed quite recently 4 is now ideal but it use to be 5

Must be very recently since this was a fortnight ago. Either way I'm ok.

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 20:20

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:08

Do people stop the statins when they get their cholesterol down to a good level? I have a phobia about taking medication after bad experiences being forced to when sectioned in the past.

My OH is on statins for life due to type 2 diabetes, he doestn have and has never had high cholesterol

My dad is on statins for life after a stroke in his early 60s he doesnt have high cholesterol now but did then. Prevention is better than cure.

soupfiend · 15/10/2024 20:18

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:00

I know what you mean. My pets get nothing but the best. Quality nutritious food, no junk at all and plenty of exercise. Also keep an eye on their weight to make sure it is just right.
Wish I could be bothered to look after myself like that.

Edited

Well thats my point, your tummy and insides are your pet. Try to reframe it, you can separate them out from 'you' if that makes it easier and takes it away from the 'why should I bother'

Because your insides need you to, your tummy needs you to look after it.

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 20:17

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:16

Were you referred to a cardiologist on the NHS because your cholesterol level was 7?

No I have a cardiologist anyway

AtDeathsDoor · 15/10/2024 20:16

Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 20:11

I made a deal with my cardiologist but I'm still young so my risk factors where low I said give me 6 months and I will get them to a normal level if I haven't I will go on statins. They where normal level in under 3 months

Were you referred to a cardiologist on the NHS because your cholesterol level was 7?

OP posts:
Differentstarts · 15/10/2024 20:13

BirthdayRainbow · 15/10/2024 20:12

It is. But someone saw fit to call me in. Nurse was just it's fine.

The guidelines have changed quite recently 4 is now ideal but it use to be 5