45 year old female-scary high results - High Cholesterol Message Board

lala1019 · 02-25-2006, 11:19 AM

Hi everyone. Haven't had my cholesterol tested for over 10 years - just got the results back. I'm a 45 year old female and haven't (until now) had any health problems, although I am on Weight Watchers in the process of losing 40 pounds (8 lost so far).

Total Ch 341
LDL 230
Tri 253
HDL 61

Since the test was done at a "health fair" I was given the advice to see a clinical lipidologist, and told I was definately going to need medication.

Questions:
Is it necessary to see a lipidologist, or should I start with an internist, GP, or cardiologist?

What has been your experience with the medications to lower the numbers?

I'm in a minor panic, it's Saturday and I can't call a doctor until Monday. Any advice and sympathy is appreciated

NHone · 02-25-2006, 11:36 AM

Just have another test done. Make sure you fast first. Health fair tests have been know to be inaccurate. At least treat your body like your car, and get a second opinion. Many people are too willing to take there doctors advice without checking things out. Its a shame many of us give our cars better care than we do ourselves.

Uff-Da! · 02-25-2006, 02:38 PM

No need for panic. Both my sister and brother had similar results at a health fair about ten or fifteen years ago. My sister still doesn't need to go on meds for high cholesterol after all these years, though she has had to alter her diet and exercise routine. My brother finally went on cholesterol-lowering meds about five years ago - but he's a bachelor who eats all his meals out. It is entirely possible that with a changed diet and more exercise, he could have avoided the meds, too.

A cholesterol test without fasting for 12-14 hours first can be totally inaccurate. It is just an indication for those with high numbers that it would be wise to get a more accurate fasting test. So plan to do so, but I wouldn't get too worked up until you see the fasting numbers. If the numbers are still high, you may need to start doing something about your cholesterol. In the meantime, I'd check out all the non-medication ways to help lower cholesterol. That way if the doctor you choose turns out to be a real pill-pusher, you'll be prepared with a "let me try lifestyle changes first" answer, if you believe the numbers and your current lifestyle allow that.

JacquelineL · 02-25-2006, 03:31 PM

Don't panic, just see a GP and have the tests run again. It could be in error--my son just got one back done at a drug store and the results don't make any sense at all. I think he got someone else's. You don't go from a HDL of 25 to 80 in a short time. Assuming you got the right results, the numbers are high even allowing for the trigs being high due to not fasting.

Have you had a cholesterol test before this latest one?