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Original poster

High cholesterol advice

8 replies

CleoKitten · 09/12/2023 20:20

Please can someone help me to understand this. Its my cholesterol blood test. They just sent me a message to say it's raised and retest again in one year. I'm only 30. I am quite overweight for my height considerably. I'm only 5ft 3 and regrettable since I've had my son I've just got bigger. I'm worrying sick that it's too high and my arteries will clog up and I'll hav a heart attack! Can someone help me or explain the results to me? I've had a google but it's all so confusing. See pic below.

High cholesterol advice
OP posts:
DoIOrNot · 09/12/2023 22:21

I’ve never seen results set out that way.

Your total cholesterol level is 6.2.They used to say aim for below 5.
you have an okay level of good cholesterol HDL
the ratio between the two is too high at 5.3, it should be below 4.5. It’s high because of the amount of overall cholesterol.

Lose weight, make some dietary chances, reduce alcohol and increase activity. You aren’t going to suddenly have a heart attack now but, I guess, if you don’t make changes then the risk of CVD as you get older will be higher.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/how-to-lower-your-cholesterol/

nhs.uk

High cholesterol - How to lower your cholesterol

Find out what you can do to lower your cholesterol, such as what to eat and what to avoid.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/how-to-lower-your-cholesterol/

Whoopitywhoops · 10/12/2023 15:46

I need to lower mine too. Bumping this to see what advice people are giving you. The NHS seem to give the result and no advice.

Mindymomo · 10/12/2023 15:56

I had a high reading some years ago, I tried to cut down on fatty foods ie pies, creamy pasta dishes, cakes, biscuits etc., but my levels after 3 months didn’t budge. My GP asked my family history which was my Dad had a triple heart bypass and my Mum died after a bad stroke. GP said given my history I should take a low dose 10 mg statin which I have done for many years and now my overall cholesterol is around 3.8.

Original poster
CleoKitten · 10/12/2023 17:27

Whoopitywhoops · 10/12/2023 15:46

I need to lower mine too. Bumping this to see what advice people are giving you. The NHS seem to give the result and no advice.

They literally just said retest in a year and mak healthier changes. My dad has high cholesterol and is also type 2 diabetic. However he has manag d to get his down through lifestyle changes and losing weight so my doctor said there isn't a genetic connection.

OP posts:
DelilahBucket · 10/12/2023 20:57

You could have familial hypercholesterolemia, which means you will have higher cholesterol regardless. I have it. Pre-menopause I've been told I don't need to be overly concerned. Just to keep an eye on my weight and I've mostly cut out the worst offenders like cream, pastry and butter. I don't smoke and I'm fairly active. Post-menopause I will probably have to go on beta blockers or whatever medication is around at that time.
At your age OP, being aware of it is a good thing and you can make positive lifestyle changes now. You aren't about to have a heart attack. Although I have to ask, why have you been tested as this isn't something normally checked at 30.

Original poster
CleoKitten · 10/12/2023 21:01

DelilahBucket · 10/12/2023 20:57

You could have familial hypercholesterolemia, which means you will have higher cholesterol regardless. I have it. Pre-menopause I've been told I don't need to be overly concerned. Just to keep an eye on my weight and I've mostly cut out the worst offenders like cream, pastry and butter. I don't smoke and I'm fairly active. Post-menopause I will probably have to go on beta blockers or whatever medication is around at that time.
At your age OP, being aware of it is a good thing and you can make positive lifestyle changes now. You aren't about to have a heart attack. Although I have to ask, why have you been tested as this isn't something normally checked at 30.

I was tested along with a whole long list of other tests because of a lonngg list of very vague symptoms that I've been having since my son was born 18monthe ago. I guess the GP just wanted to make sure all was okay and to be honest I think they are abit sick it me so did the blood test just to shut me up and keep me away for a while. I am aware that I'm very overweight l. I've struggled with my weight my whole life.

OP posts:
WashItTomorrow · 10/12/2023 21:06

My cholesterol level was over 8. I’m very slim, very fit and generally eat plant-based. No alcohol and no takeaways ever. I was referred to a lipid clinic and I’ve had a Doppler scan on my arteries, which are normal. I’m taking statins.

Edinlassy · 11/12/2023 11:59

I have just had a result of 9.3 through a private blood test. Absolutely terrified as it also showed too high iron and my kidney function is low for my age. Done a private blood test for these results as couldn’t get a doc appointment. Still can’t get a doc appointment even with the results and stressing out my mind

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