I have inherited the genetic tendency to have high LDL levels. When I first had it checked several years ago my total cholesterol was over 300, so I started being mindful of my diet and made healthy changes. A few years ago I had it checked again and it was around 265. Then 6 months ago I had it checked at a screening through my job and it was the same, about 265. I have refused to get on statins, I believe the risks are not worth the benefits. So in that last 6 months I really knuckled down improving my diet. I've been eating oatmeal, salads with very little or no dressing, fruits and veggies, cut out most all meat, cut way way back on butter and mayo, etc. I went to the doctor this month for a checkup and my total cholesterol was over 300 again, even higher than that first time I ever had it checked, when I was eating junk food and whatever. It makes NO sense to me how eating healthier could make my LDL number go up, and not just go up, go WAY up. My HDL was only 59, and I've also been eating all the things that are good for raising good cholesterol. I feel like it doesn't even matter what I eat. I'm taking a red yeast rice complex right now, because I don't want my liver and heart destroyed by the statin my doctor insists I have to be on. I'm extremely upset. Just wondered if anyone else could relate, or could tell me why this might be happening with my numbers.
Last edited by Sethsmom44; 02-25-2012 at 08:11 AM.
Your problem is mostly genetic, and since high cholesterol tends to run in your family, diet alone may not have much of an effect since your liver produces most of your cholesterol anyway. Do you also have a family history of heart disease? There are many people with very high cholesterol numbers who live well into their 80s or 90s, and never develop heart disease.
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"Men and nations will act rationally when all other possibilities have been exhausted."
Your problem is mostly genetic, and since high cholesterol tends to run in your family, diet alone may not have much of an effect since your liver produces most of your cholesterol anyway. Do you also have a family history of heart disease? There are many people with very high cholesterol numbers who live well into their 80s or 90s, and never develop heart disease.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. No, there aren't any heart problems, not on my dad's side of the family that has the cholesterol issues. My paternal grandmother has had a total cholesterol count of well over 300 for years and years and years and she's 90 now. She's never had a stroke or any heart problems at all. My dad is 69 and his cholesterol is also very high. He's had three strokes but no heart problems. He's a lifelong chain smoker and an alcoholic, I'm hoping his strokes were due to other things than just cholesterol and high blood pressure (which I also have now).
I have a friend in much the same boat as you. She asked her doc is she could just take the statin on M,W & F each week because she was concerned about the side effects. He blessed this regimen and it has worked well for her. Her numbers have improved greatly. You might ask.
