High cholesterol-referral to lipid clinic

[MaryMollyPolly]

Has anyone been referred to a lipid clinic due to high cholesterol? What will they do? What can I do in the meantime? My cholesterol level is over 8, which I’m told is extremely high. I am rather shocked. I’m very slim -BMI of 19 - and generally vegan. I don’t eat takeaways or microwave meals and always cook from scratch. I’m reasonably fit - I go running three times a week, along with some other exercise. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke.

First of all, don't panic - there are lots of treatments available for high cholesterol.

Second, how old are you? Some people have high cholesterol as a result of genetics (ie familial hypercholesterolaemia) and so this happens naturally. It is generally detected when young, so if you're not that old then this might be the first it's been noticed.

Third, have you ever had high cholesterol before, or has it been low previously?

It sounds as if it could be familial.
My friend's DH had a cardiac arrest a few years ago. He was, and still is, slim and fit.

His cholesterol was sky high, so the rest of the family were tested, and three of them were found to have FHC. The eldest had to start statins at 18.

This might sound scary, but not taking statins just wasn't an option. The eldest is slim, fit and healthy and has just joined the police.

I don’t think I’ve had my cholesterol level tested before, as far as I know. I’m 55.

I am the same ,39 years old, cholesterol is 8, bmi 19, very active with healthy diet, i have waited 7 months for my appointment at the lipud clinic which is in December, the clinic sent me a long form to fill in before my appointment asking about family history or heart attacks and strokes. My total cholesterol is 8 ,but my triglycerides 0.8 ...

I don’t know what triglycerides are… I was just given this number of 8 yesterday when my GP contacted me and said she’d make me an appointment at the lipid clinic. Appointment at clinic is in four months.

Did you have any other blood tests? Thyroid function specifically? Thyroid issues can cause problems with cholesterol.

Above 5 is high. You will probably need to start a medication called a statin. The lipid test is made up of several tests, triglyceridess being one (also “good cholesterol”, “bad cholesterol” etc. ) They will explain all the different readings at the appointment. After 50 the risk of needing a statin goes up for everyone I’m afraid. In the meantime you could try the plant sterols advertised to reduce cholesterol if you are worried, but I don’t know how good they actually are.

I was tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes too -came back fine.

Did the GP give you a statin type medication to try in the meantime? It doesn't sound like you have much need for additional lifestyle changes. Lipid clinics can prescribe the newer injection medication that lowers cholesterol but would normally expect you to have tried a statin first

I imagine you’re not a doctor. Cholesterol is only one risk factor that will be used to calculate risk of heart attack etc and whether a statin will be offered. If all her other risks are low, a statin is not indicated. All medications have their own risks.

No. She did say something about statins, and something about one in 1,000 - I didn’t quite take that in. I’ve not been prescribed anything. I’m having an operation next week, so maybe she wants to wait until after that.

Do you use coconut oil a lot in your cooking, it's very high in cholesterol.

@sorrynotathome which is why I said cholesterol is one in several readings.

But as I wasn’t clear you are right and actually OP you might need statins as opposed to will probably need. It’s more complicated than that one reading which is why you need it explained in person.

No, I don’t use coconut oil.
I have high blood pressure too.

Ok, thank you for these explanations.