HIGH CHOLESTEROL - SCARED!

[ThespianTendencies]

I had a bloods and ECG done this week as I had irregular heartbeat, ECG came back fine but my bloods showed that I had a cholesterol reading of 9!!! I was stunned. I am slim, have a good diet, am active (usually a gym goer but not during Covid). I am active generally and walk for an hour a day with the dogs - usually wracking up about 5-6k on that alone. The doc thinks it is hereditary in my case as all my other stats were fine. I have been put on Statins but I am so worried! Anyone else in the same boat?

My DH had his cholesterol checked a few years ago and We were shocked that it was high as he is also very fit, doesn’t smoke and eats healthily. Doctor also thinks it’s hereditary and he was out on statins. They brought it down and he hasn’t had any side effects. The main thing is that it has been identified so they can do something about it. Do your parents have high cholesterol/ heart disease?

I have a genetic condition called famial hypercholesterolemia, I lack the protein that removes the bad cholesterol from my blood. I just went through 2 pregnancies back to back and had to stop my statins and my cholesterol shot up to 10.4.

You can get genetically tested. I dont recommend it though as it will make it difficult for you to get any type of insurance (travel/ life etc) without paying extortionate prices. But you could easily make changes to bring his cholesterol down with the help from your GP.

Although my DM(mum) refuses to be tested (for the reasons above) the fact her side of the family have a premature mortality rate from heart attacks and strokes suggests the gene was passed from her side of the family.

It is easily controlled if you are aware of it.

Yes I had high Cholesterol,my GP phoned to tell me he had never seen one so high!

I was referred to a Consultant at the local hospital,I have been going for 17years now,I am on statins and it is well controlled.

Mine is also hereditary.I am slightly built,don’t drink alcohol or smoke.

Don’t worry it will soon be under control.

Thank you all. I was so surprised and a bit shell shocked as it has never been flagged before! The thought of having a heart attack or stroke is so scary. So glad to hear that the statins work well. I am on 20mg daily and take them in the evening as suggested. I have been shopping and bought lots of recommended foods as my diet was good but I need it to be better. Will probably do me good anyway :)
480Widdio Do you know what your level was?

Ispy the doc thinks mine is hereditary too. It would make more sense than it being down to diet and general health as I'm pretty good with all that. Crazy that your Mum wont get checked! I'd be right on that if it were me. My sister and brother have high cholesterol too which I had not been aware of before I asked. Must be my Dad's side as my Mum is 86 with normal cholesterol levels.

My DH did get the genetic test, if the faulty gene is found it means it is easier to test other family members ie children, for the gene so they know who they need to keep a close eye on. My DH doesn’t have the gene for familial hypercholesterolaemia but was told this doesn’t mean he doesn’t have it as all the genes haven’t been identified. It mean our children can’t be tested and told they have the gene or not so it’s a case of keeping an eye on their cholesterol as they get older.

I had my 2 older DC tested, passed it onto them both!! I have 2 younger DC but think they can't be tested until 12yo (could be wrong but think it's around that age).

FH is much worse for the men in our family. Numerous males (all untested but relatives of my DM) have had a massive coronary event (life threatening and sometimes fatal strokes and heart attacks) at age 37, it's come to be known as the 37 year curse.

My eldest who has it is 21, he is on Atorvastatin and been well warned of the risks and the need to look after himself.

Women in our family don't suffer such events until our 50's, apparently down to estrogen according to the dr, so the risk for us increases with menopause.

I did think it was crazy my DM refusing being tested but can understand her logic. The rest of my family refused to be tested too.

@ispywithmycynicaleye what age were your older two when they were tested? Did they test for the gene or to see if their cholesterol was high? My ds was tested when he was about 14/15 but is 20 now so needs to have his cholesterol checked again. Thanks

@ThespianTendencies,over 11which is horrendous and why my GP was so excited!

@candle18 My DD was 15, my DS was 16. Once I got my diagnosis their cholesterol levels were immediately checked and they were offered gene testing.

Sorry, should add their cholesterol test results showed raised cholesterol in both but were offered gene testing at the same time regardless of whether their cholesterol test results.

I see this a lot as a nurse that does health checks. Same with BP and diabetes.
I checked DH BP randomly at home, his BP was through the roof and when tested, his cholesterol was so high it was borderline referral. Slim, doesn't smoke, runs 10k. He's now on statins and anti hypertensives.
That's why when people quote stats of people who have died with Covid for example 'having no underlying health conditions', I'm often very dubious. Many have. They just don't know it.

@cptartapp that's exactly how mine was found out. My BP was very high during a routine checkup for the contraceptive pill. Luckily her DH has FH so once she discovered my shocking family medical history she got things moving. I am on rosouvastatin for FH and lisinipril for essential hypertension now. The nurse was shocked when looking back at my previous BP checks that no Dr's had noticed years of high BP results. My nurse is awesome

Does anyone know how long it takes for the statins to work? I have also changed my diet to be specifically cholesterol reducing. It was pretty good before but I want to act quickly as being at a 9 really scared the shit out of me!! I don't want a heart attack or stroke....

We usually repeat the bloods in three months, and check your liver function too.

Thanks cptartapp. I’m assuming I’ll hear

There are things to watch out for aswell while taking statins. I was first put on Atorvastatin, within a week all my back and joints felt achey and gritty. It turned out that statin didn't agree with me which I was moved onto rosouvastatin. So any changes like that let your dr know.

Thespian no don't assume you'll hear. It will most likely be up to you to remember and book in for it nearer the time.

Thank you cptartapp they did tell me they would be in touch and I got a letter today from the cardiology dept of the hospital saying they would be in touch with an appointment. I feel very well taken care of so I am grateful for our amazing NHS right now.
Ispy So far so good with the ones I am on...5 days in and no obvious side effects, palpitations have definitely subsided which was the reason I went to the docs in the first place. I am hoping to get back on top soon .

I have been taking Crestor for over ten years. Doctors think mine is genetic as well but because I am adopted there is no way to know. It seems to be working and I haven't had any noticeable side effects.