cholesterol of 525! Anyone else that high?

[happybunny]

I am aged 54, very healthy mediterranean type diet, good weight, non-smoker, happy person. Developed angina on the treadmill last August, and when tested I had Cholesterol of 525, triglycerides of 715, HDL 104. Resting & stress ecgs showed coronary ischaemia so am waiting for an angiogram now to see how much the arteries are clogged. I was put on 40mg Lipitor and my cholesterol came down to 273 in a month. Now they have put me up to 80mg Lipitor.

Has anyone else had such a high cholesterol? They say it is genetic. How much can I hope to lower it?

[delrae4753]

i have mine as high as 900 that was 2 years ago mine to is genetic now i do have the triglycerides to go with that my last count was about 200 on the triglycerides and 220 on the cholesteral i am on omega 3 1 gm 2x a day and tricor

[Lenin]

happy,

My guess is the 80mg will get you below 200 but that's only a guess. I hope your joints and muscles can take that much without too much pain...but at this point I think you have little choice. You might consider adding one of the fibrates (gemfibrozil) to your drug regimen if triglycerides remain high.

You will probably be angioplastied and stented during the angiogram- it sounds like some blockages are almost a given. In the meantime, please take 2 adult aspirin every day to avoid the risk of clot formation between now and then.

Your super high numbers are almost certainly genetic (familial hypercholesterolemia), as delrae's are.

[delrae4753]

thats true my dr took me off the gemfribosil because after 4 years it just didnt do the trick and the omega 3 also works as a blood thinner for me because i am allergic to asal.. best of luck to you...

[happybunny]

Thanks Lenin and Delrae.
That's encouraging. Sounds like I may get further improvement. I'm on aspirin and beta blocker too, and a nitrate spray. I get another cholesterol test after Christmas. No mince pies or brandy butter or chocs for me. But I shall have a teeny piece of Cheddar cheese as my wicked treat, ooh, I do miss that!
Luckily my two daughters are fine - cholesterol levels of 3 and 4, that is a blessing. And I am so lucky to have had this warning.
Have a good Christmas.