Is it what I eat or just my gene? - High Cholesterol Message Board

tinbin · 09-11-2006, 09:57 AM

Hi all,

I have recently been diagnosed as having both High BP and High cholesterol (HDL around 80 & LDL around 200). Luckily, it was later found out that my high BP may be just white coat hypertension.

For my high cholesterol, I asked my doctor whether it was caused by my unhealthy lifestyle as I was living really unheathily for the past 2 years, e.g.,10-15 pieces of Oreo per day or 100-200g of chips or 2 butter egg tarts in addition to the normal meals and I don't really exercise. But my doctor told me that it's unlikely that someone can get such high cholesterol just eating unheathily and put me on 10mg Crestor.

I am 38 years old. My families don't have any history of heart attack, stroke or diabete except my grandfather who had a stroke when he was in his seventies. I had my cholesterol checked about ten years ago and the total number was 189 (I don't know the number of HDL & LDL). I just wonder is there any chance that my high cholesterol level can be lowered by changing my lifestyle or drugs are really necessary?

Pivly · 09-11-2006, 11:00 AM

White coat high cholesterol?

Hmmm, I would be interested to hear from other people who had abnormally high blood pressure at the doctor (due to anxiety/stress, whatever) but otherwise normal blood pressure when calm.

tinbin · 09-11-2006, 08:28 PM

Thanks for your response. But if you read my post carefully, I never said that my high cholesterol level is caused by white coat.

I am asking whether my high cholesterol level is caused by my unhealthy lifestyle for the past 2 years. And and it be lowered by just changing my lifestyle.

I would be very grateful if anyone can give me some advices.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pivly

White coat high cholesterol?

Hmmm, I would be interested to hear from other people who had abnormally high blood pressure at the doctor (due to anxiety/stress, whatever) but otherwise normal blood pressure when calm.

mmvic · 09-11-2006, 09:48 PM

tinbin, you said that about ten years ago your total cholesterol was 189. This would tend to support the idae that your high readings now are due to lifestyle. If you had genetic issues they probably would have consistently shown over the years. I'd sure try diet and exercise first.

tinbin · 09-11-2006, 11:42 PM

Thanks, mmvic. That is what I thought as well. But my doctor said that my last cholesterol test was too old to be vaild.

He told me that he will put me on 10mg Crestor for 3 months first to lower my cholesterol level because my LDL was way too high. After that, he will take me off Crestor and see whether my cholesterol level will go through the roof again with me changing my diet and doing exercise at the time.

I already started taking Crestor for about 4 weeks. But after going through this board and now knowing the serious side effects of Crestor, I am scared to continue with the drug. I wonder can I minimize the possibility of any side effects by taking the pill every 2 days instead of every day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmvic

tinbin, you said that about ten years ago your total cholesterol was 189. This would tend to support the idae that your high readings now are due to lifestyle. If you had genetic issues they probably would have consistently shown over the years. I'd sure try diet and exercise first.