Suddenly have high cholesterol

[HighCholesterolHorror]

I had a shock this week because I have a long term health issue where I have regular blood tests.

The clinic gave me a cholesterol test as well (without asking or telling me which seems a bit odd).

I was then sent a text out of the blue telling me I have high cholesterol and need to try to reduce it through diet. Has anyone been through this and have any advice on what changes worked for them?

My weight is ok but I would like to get closer to the middle of green BMI as I’m only 1.5kg away from the ‘red’

I found out mine was highish after my DH had a heart attack (full recovery) and I asked for a test as his was high too and we have a similar diet.

I lowered it by changing my diet. Basically cutty out high fatty foods, or at least, only having them sparingly - so red meat, cheese, puddings, cakes, chocolate, biscuits etc. I also check the saturate level on packets and try to keep within the recommended maximum of 20g a day.

I hadn't realised my diet was as unhealthy as it was, as we also ate plenty of fruit and vegetables etc.. Over time it gets easier as I just automatically choose lower fat options and only treat myself to things like a pudding occasionally.

Are you happy to lose weight OP? ….because that’s where I’m struggling…..my bmi is 20.2 ….so although I could afford to drop lower I don’t really want to ….at 59 being too thin is not a great look…I have lost 2 lb and hoping I don’t lose anymore

@Kitkat1523 l’m sorry to hear you are not really wanting to lose weight.

I’m almost overweight - right at the very very top of the normal BMI bracket, so it would actually be good if I lost some to be honest. If I put on 0.5kg I would be in the overweight BMI bracket.

Menopause?

I think the nurse said... Oestrogen protects you and then when it stops cholesterol goes up.

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease a.co/d/9APhGBh

Heard this recommended a lot.

Just checking back with this thread, how are you doing @HighCholesterolHorror ?

Thanks so much for checking back @Misthios

I’ve been doing reasonably well with diet I think - I’ve cut out junk food and fatty snacks and really reduced take aways. I’ve also upped exercise.

I've booked a re test privately in about two weeks from now which will be just over 3 months since the initial test, a fasting one this time and am hoping to see some better results.

Yes, my cholesterol has increased in the last 5 years pre and post menopause even though my diet is so much better.

I just had a retest and got results back. This one was fasting. This is 4 months on from the initial tests and I’ve been trying really hard with my diet.

My overall total cholesterol has gone down from 6 to 5.5.

The normal range for cholesterol on fasting test according to the test paperwork was 5.2 maximum. So I have a bit more to do there.

Triglycerides are back within normal.
LDL cholesterol was normal, but HDL was high at 1.95 and non-HDL was high at 3.6.

I will keep going with the healthy eating!

That sounds really good, how do you get on with your blood pressure may I ask.

Thanks very much @jennylamb1. Blood pressure is good - I can’t remember exact figures but not high or pre-high. Usually towards lower end of normal.

That's good too, I've got an underactive thyroid and high blood pressure, don't know about cholesterol. It annoys me that the NHS doesn't tell people about the links between an underactive thyroid/ high BP/high cholesterol, I had a hypertensive emergency and am now on 10mgs Ramipril a day- I didn't know to watch out for high BP and that it can be linked to thyroid issues.
so glad that the cholesterol is heading downwards and BP is not an issue for you.

If anyone else on this thread has an underactive thyroid keep an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Another blood test has put my cholesterol back up at 5.9 which is higher than it should be - I am still doing the oats but have not been quite as careful as I had been being previously.

I think I am going to go on a low dose statin - there has to be a balance between keeping my cholesterol under control, and having a life which does not revolve around constant worry about what i'm eating and when i'm eating it.