Cholesterol

[Bugs]

My extremely fit older sister (64 & much fitter than me)) has had a blood test for cholesterol. Was a massive 8. Her GP suggested it could be a genetic thing. I maybe should get myself tested? Anyone any advice on tasty recipes, books, tips etc.

[alan-r]

yes deff get it checked 8 is very high ,it can be hereditary
i had mine done and was 4.7 but my good chol: was low and my bad high,doc wanted me to go onto statns (for life) but went home to adjust my diet etc for a couple of months,am going back to see what my new check is like tomorrow,hope it gone down.if it has ill stick to my new eating habit

[alan-r]

btw i'm slim and fit ,middle aged and not a red meat eater and have taken omega3-6 fish oil caps for 20 years
so i was surprised mine was not right

[LazyGun]

You don't say how much older, Bugs, which has some relevance.
Bottom line, there are often familial trends when it comes to things like diet and lifestyle, and genetics can play an important part also.
In your shoes I would have a chat with my GP and a general checkup. In turn, they can probably recommend things like diet etc. I have included a link regarding cholesterol from NHS direct.
Government recommendations are 5mmol/L - but it is estimated that 2/3 of the UK adult population are either at or exceed this level so your sister is not alone :)

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cholesterol/Pages /Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx

[Bugs]

Thanks for yr answers. Alan r, hope yr blood check ok. Let us know. My friend had a 6.3? She didnt want to take statins either. She monitored her diet & gone down to 3.1 Her GP was amazed, so good luck. Thanks to LazyGun as well, I'll check out the link you sent.

[Velvetee]

My Cholesterol is 7.8 and has always been high. Even at my fittest and healthiest, it never went down and my GP said it was probably hereditary, as my mother had high Cholesterol too.

My GP said, even though it was high, I was at lower risk of developing Heart Disease, as I exercised regularly, had a healthy diet and was a non smoker and drinker.

The main thing is to reduce the amount of saturated fats you consume and take part in regular cardiovascular exercise. Also, it would be an idea to get tested and if it is found to be high, you can then decide if you want to take Statins to reduce Cholesterol or try alternative natural remedies, like products containing Plant Sterols.

[Bugs]

Thanks velvetee. None of our family have a history of heart disease. I'd best get mine checked anyway. Thanks for yr reply.