Nearly 60 and...

[JacknDiane]

Just found out I have raised cholesterol. Will see gp soon, might need medication. Will try my best to make lifestyle changes too.
But its made me feel im getting old.

I'm just over 60 and also recently diagnosed with high cholesterol. I've been able to lower it significantly by changing my diet to pretty much exclude saturated fat from any meal, with the exception of high days and holidays.

I'm 55 and am on statins due to diabetes. I've been on blood pressure meds since my early 30s after having pre-eclampsia in all my pregnancies.

I blame my parents entirely for their dodgy genes.

I am 64 and have been on statins and blood pressure medication for about 15 years now. Despite my aging body, I still don’t feel anywhere near my actual age.

Same and I do have heart issues. I have reduced levels but it is very hard. Very limited red meat and cheese. Check labels and only eat olive oil. Even hummus has other oils in so I make my own now. In the 4 months I have eaten red meat probably six times and that is when out plus bacon once. No crisps, which I love. I have eaten cheese once every 3 weeks and very small amounts.

Also eat porridge, cholesterol sticks to it and it’s the best thing to fight high cholesterol plus eat a lot of fibre.

My reading was 4.9 and it’s now 3.9. They push statins at 5. it took me 2 months to get it down and I have another blood test tomorrow.

Good luck, also close to 60, I am a size 8 to 10 but fat on the inside as I joke.

It just makes me feel old..

The NHS over prescribes statins.

Was your diet high in saturated fat before? With the exception of a cheese sandwich a few times a week, I don't really have any at all. More or less plant based, except for a liking for cheese.

Meh, mine was very, very high at 23. It's just a thing, take your statins, all good.

What makes you say that? I have read various things suggesting that high cholesterol is a correlation, not a cause and doesn't necessarily need to be managed.

I saw a Dr for gastric reflux, he ordered bloodwork and yes I too found out I have high cholesterol.
He’s prescribed GLP1 (ozempic) and given me three months to lower it.
My stress level and stress eating has been off the scale. I was surprised more of my blood results weren’t affected.

You can eat low fat crisps - some packets are only about 1g of saturated fat

It must have been, as stopping eating all animal fat has reduced my cholesterol significantly. Butter was always my weakness, and although I miss it, I hardly use it now. I make cakes with vegetable oil and I've realised you don't need butter on toast if you're putting something else on it as well.
I could probably eat a whole block of Shirgar Welsh salted butter in one sitting if you gave it me right now though!
I've switched to oat milk, eat a lot of porridge and seeds and nuts. I rarely buy ready made meals anyway, but I check the saturated fat content of every food I buy that comes in a packet.

If I eat out, restaurant or with friends, I do tend to stray from my strict diet. I don't think I could stick to it if I didn't I don't go out that often :(

I'm trying Beta Glucan. Another blood test due in 2 months. Don't need statins at present.

Just from what I have heard on you tube.

Im 50 and my cholesterol is 8.6, my doctor is trying to get me to take statins as she said it’s extremely high, but I’ve been refusing them and hope I can bring it down with dietary changes - perhaps im being naive!

What is Beta Glucan?

Beta glucan is a type of fiber that’s responsible for many of the health-promoting properties of foods like oats, wheat, and barley.

It has been studied extensively for its effects on heart health and cholesterol levels, as well as been shown to boost immunity and stabilize blood sugar levels.

I'm using a powder from Herbal Life.

Sorry for delay in reply.

Thanks @Poppy61

Are you all getting cholesterol tests from your gp? I’ve never been offered one (64)

I wasn't offered one but over 40 you are supposed to be invited for a health check every 5 years. GPs don't actually seem to bother so I just call up and get one. Had one in Jan and found my cholestrol is 5.2.

I asked for a blood test

We dont get a health test over 40 in Scotland, that's only with NHS England.
I had to fight for a blood test really.

Are you on statins @Titsywoo?

Nonsense OP. See it as an opportunity. Change your diet, maybe go vegan. Are you a good cook?