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lowering cholesterol

5 replies

Stroopwaffels · 13/10/2023 09:25

Saw the GP about menopause a few weeks ago and she ordered bloods. Was concerned as I have small patches under my eyes which are often a sign of higher cholesterol. Tests have come back that my cholesterol overall is high at 7.9 but that my balance of "good" vs "bad" cholesterol isn't that alarming. And blood pressure etc fine. She wanted to start me on a statin but also suggested that I address my weight and exercise first.

So am now on a mission to lose a bit and get healthier by walking. Is this as effective as statin? We have agreed to give it three months to see how I get on, review with more bloods in January and then think about statins at that point if it hasn't improved.

OP posts:
MedSchoolRat · 13/10/2023 10:16

What are your numbers?

Abergale · 13/10/2023 10:23

I was fairly slim to start with and my numbers still got loads better with diet and exercise. My overall was a little to high but my mix of good and bad wasn’t great. I’ve not been able to bring the good up very well (which is apparently largely genetic) but the bad has come down a lot.

Ridingthegravytrain · 13/10/2023 10:27

Absolutely try lifestyle changes. Cholesterol is only one part of a bigger picture regarding heart disease. Lifestyle, diet, exercise and metabolic health are also important.

my cholesterol is very high (familial) and so I asked for referral to clinical pathologist lipid specialist.

i am slim, eat healthily, exercise daily and have no indicators of fatty deposits in eyes/heels/elbows.

my bp is low and triglycerides show zero indication of diabetes.

he referred me for a carotid artery scan to see if my cholesterol is causing issues. They are clean as a whistle so I will continue as I am.

it’s not just a one size fits all is what I’m getting at

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 13/10/2023 10:31

My GP suggested plant sterols.

Cannas · 13/10/2023 14:31

I agree diet and exercise is the first port of call though I don't know anyone who has made a significant difference with that.
If you do decide on statins just question the dose.
I was sceptical about statins but the fact is they work. My cholestrol wasn't bad at 5 but I have high qrisk score.
They wanted me to take 20mg of statins but I agree to take 10mg. In fact I only take it 3 times a week and my cholestrol went down to 3.5.

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