genetics/cholestserol - High Cholesterol Message Board

lisaj 77 · 09-19-2005, 06:47 AM

Hi,
Wanted to see what people think/know about realistically lowering cholesterol through diet/excerise if you're genetically predisposed to having it? Also, if you have that genetic predisposition, does it mean your cholesterol will keep going up?
Thanks,
Lisa

Lenin · 09-19-2005, 08:01 AM

It's tough. I inherited my mother's, and my father's siblings' tendency toward miserable cholesterol numbers. Diet and exercise helped me only very slightly, though in truth, I never tried a very low fat diet before I started statins...I found it just too hard to do. I love meat, cheese, and cream too much! When I was faithfully on Atkins for 18 months, I measured my cholesterol...benefits: NADA!

I'm better now with fat avoidance than I have ever been in my life, but there's no way I would drop the statin to test how "well" I'd do without it...too risky with an already installed stent.

Without the invention of statins, I'd be dead in the water.

lisaj 77 · 09-19-2005, 08:18 AM

Thanks, Lenin.
My numbers aren't terrible--239 Total, 66 hdl, 156 ldl, 84 triglycerides, but high enough for concern.
My mom had high cholesterol--I always thought her numbers reflected her bad diet--tons of cheese, meat. She now has arterial stenosis, angina and has already had one heart attack (she's on lipitor among other meds.)
I'm on a very low-fat diet now--no red meat, barely any dairy (only non-fat yogurt and the occassional sprinkle of parmesean), soy mayo, organic veggies, whole grains etc. I happen to like to eat this way (though I'd be VERy happy if I could include cheese and ice-cream.) I guess I'll see what my numbers are in Feb. when I take my test again.
I'm very reluctant to have to start statins (my doctor didn't suggest them, said let's try diet & exercise first) but I guess I'll see what happens.
Lisa

ARIZONA73 · 09-19-2005, 10:14 AM

Lenin,

While you were on the Atkins' diet, did you notice any difference in your blood pressure readings?

heart44 · 09-19-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisaj 77

My numbers aren't terrible--239 Total, 66 hdl, 156 ldl, 84 triglycerides, but high enough for concern.

I'm very reluctant to have to start statins (my doctor didn't suggest them, said let's try diet & exercise first) but I guess I'll see what happens.

Hi Lisa,

You are correct. Your numbers are not terrible, in fact your HDL of 66 and triglycerides of 84 are excellent. Your LDL of 156 mg/dL is only 26 points higher than the optimal for most people. <100 mg/dL is the range for those at high risk.

Another issue. Cholesterol lowering for women has not been shown to produce longevity. It's good that your doctor is willing for you to try diet & exercise 1st.

Recommendations:
Start taking omega 3 fish oil or cod liver oil. Make sure it is fresh and preferably "mercury free". Someone mentioned keep it in the frig or freezer..... great idea.
We usually get plenty of omega 6 oils, but not enough omega 3. Even beneficial olive oil is a 10:1 ratio - Omega 6: Omega 3. Dietary optimal is 1:1 or 2:1 ratio.
Completely avoid anything that has hydrogenated fat/oil. This is transfat and the most unhealthy form of fat, far worse than saturated fat, which really is not the bad guy everyone makes it out to be.

Ask your doctor to check your homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is just as important and maybe even more important than cholesterol levels. Elevated homocysteine indicates inflammation. It's inflammation that causes all the trouble (heart attacks and strokes), not just elevated cholesterol levels.

There is no safe level of homocysteine, but optimal levels should be less than 6.2 although most labs say that as high as 11.4 or less is safe. Each 3 point increase above 6.3 is a 35% greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

The remedy for elvated homocysteine is the B vitamins, especially folic acid, B6 and B12....... and no side effects.

Frankie