Help my cholesterol is high again

[jtu91952]

Yesterday I went to the dr for follow up visit. I see my gp every four months and my endo every 3 months. I went to the gp yesterday and he told me my cholesterol was back up to 335. My ldl was 225, my hdl was 65, he didn't tell me the trigs. I need to lower the ldl so he told me to go back on the zetia. As mentioned in previous posts, the zetia caused my back to hurt so severely i would not walk my required 3 to 4 miles. I keep a very strict diet of high fiber low fat. Please explain to me what is trigs, and any suggestions to lower my ldl. Is 65 hdl a good thing? The only meats i eat are skinless chicken breast and baked fish with olive oil. Low fat, light yogurt and fat free milk are the only dairy I eat. Can mixed nuts cause ldl to go up? I do not eat eggs or fried food period. Can cookies or popcorn cause my ldl to rise? These are my main staples other than veggies and a few fruits. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[ARIZONA73]

Triglycerides are small, light fat particles produced in the liver, where they are converted into very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides can thicken the blood, and increase your chances of forming clots and clog blood vessels. For most people, triglycerides can be lowered with a reduced intake of carbohydrates.

From the numbers you've provided, it appears that your triglyceride level is 225, which is much higher than what is desirable. An HDL reading of 65 is normally good, but your total is 335, which gives you a TC/HDL ratio of 5.15. Your target ratio should be 4.0 or lower.

I don't know whether or not popcorn will raise LDL. I suppose that would depend on the type of fats that are in it. I prefer real butter myself. Processed foods, and especially snacks such as cookies, are real villains. They can wreak havoc with both triglycerides and LDL, since they most likely contain hydrogenated fats. Since LDL and triglycerides are your two major concerns, you need to restrict foods such as these. Be very careful with foods containing sugars, starches, and hydrogenated fats, and I think you'll see an overall improvement. Exercise is also important, as well as maintaining a desirable weight.

[jtu91952]

Originally Posted by ARIZONA73

Triglycerides are small, light fat particles produced in the liver, where they are converted into very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides can thicken the blood, and increase your chances of forming clots and clog blood vessels. For most people, triglycerides can be lowered with a reduced intake of carbohydrates.

From the numbers you've provided, it appears that your triglyceride level is 225, which is much higher than what is desirable. An HDL reading of 65 is normally good, but your total is 335, which gives you a TC/HDL ratio of 5.15. Your target ratio should be 4.0 or lower.

I don't know whether or not popcorn will raise LDL. I suppose that would depend on the type of fats that are in it. I prefer real butter myself. Processed foods, and especially snacks such as cookies, are real villains. They can wreak havoc with both triglycerides and LDL, since they most likely contain hydrogenated fats. Since LDL and triglycerides are your two major concerns, you need to restrict foods such as these. Be very careful with foods containing sugars, starches, and hydrogenated fats, and I think you'll see an overall improvement. Exercise is also important, as well as maintaining a desirable weight.

Thank u Arizona. i didn't know what trigs were or how it effected my cholesterol. Is 5.15 really bad? I am diabetic and don't eat alot of cookies or breads. I do like corn muffins and biscuits but I limit them due to glucose levels. I don't use margarines, I eat just plain food no salt (yuck) but garlic and pepper. I read somewhere that soy products help lower cholesterol. Is this true? I guess I will have to go back on my zetia .

[rahod]

Originally Posted by jtu91952

Thank u Arizona. i didn't know what trigs were or how it effected my cholesterol. Is 5.15 really bad? I am diabetic and don't eat alot of cookies or breads. I do like corn muffins and biscuits but I limit them due to glucose levels. I don't use margarines, I eat just plain food no salt (yuck) but garlic and pepper. I read somewhere that soy products help lower cholesterol. Is this true? I guess I will have to go back on my zetia .

Your LDL is high and you're diabetic...that combo really requires a statin. Ask your dr about Crestor. A dose as low as 10mg could do the trick. Good luck.

[zip2play]

jtu,

I've got to agree with rahod. I know you took Lipitor for 3 years and had lots of leg and thigh pain and zetia caused backaches for you. It's a dilemma indeed.

That LDL of 225 is truly awful and should be handled without regard to the level of HDL...it's not protective against any LDL that high.

I know you're trying all "natural" means possible...for some of us, alas, these methods don't cut the mustard.

Tell me, when you were on the Lipitor, what dose were you taking and what was the best LDL you got on it?
I ask because I think you really will need to get back on one of them. In the meantime, don't skip your daily aspirin.