Confused about high cholesterol

[Darktowers]

I’m not really sure about cholesterol-I’ve been told mine is too high and to reduce it but I can’t see anything wrong with my diet- do I need to buy the cholesterol lowering products (benecol or flora?)

my level was 5.1
non hdl-3.3 (in range)
hdl -1.8 (too high)

What am I meant to do as I though hdl was ‘good’ cholesterol ?!

I can’t see what’s wrong with those at all? https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/understanding-your-cholesterol-test-results-

I wouldn't say 5.1 was particularly high, but, if you want to reduce it without needing statins, then changing your diet and regular exercise - 30/45 mins walking a day, really does work. Porridge, lots of fruit/veg, low sugar (including alcohol), very little meat/processed foods and not much high fat dairy (including cheese). The British Heart Foundation website is useful. And plant sterols are part of the mix but you'll also need other changes to diet to get any significant impact.

My GP has marked the 5.1 as ‘abnormal’ and the 1.8 as ‘abnormal’

The range overall is apparently meant to be 0.0-3.9 and mine is 5.1 and for the HDL the range is 1.2-1.7

I eat really healthily though so I’m quite shocked they said these two are too high . I’m wondering if they’ve made a mistake somehow I can’t see what to do with my diet to change it ! That why I thought do I need to buy the little drinks that help lower cholesterol

My husbands was 3.8 and it was commented on how low it was !!

Whereas mine was8.3 and put on statins, down now to 5.4 and doctor is happy at that.

This is my issue in that I can’t see what to change !!!
I’ve never drunk alcohol, I don’t eat red meat , dot eat cheese and don’t even have much dairy as don’t like it !
I have lots of fruit and veg, fish, chicken , I guess I’ll have to get something in with plant sterols as I can’t see where else to make changes !
I do have underactive thyroid which I struggle with maybe that’s connected

I’m wondering if my GP has an overly cautious approach to it then ! I’ve spent all afternoon feeling annoyed as I try hard not be healthy !!

It will be your underactive thyroid. My husband has this and unexplained high cholesterol was what led to him being diagnosed.

My HDL was 1.7 last check (range given was up to 1.5). My doctor thought that was really good and seemed quite happy with it.

My cholesterol was 4.something and I was told it was fine! Can’t remember the split but 2.something for both.

If you have diabetes too ideally your total C should be below 4. Other conditions too that affect you Cardio Vascular risk could call for a lower number eg raised blood pressure (hypertension)