Cholestrol levels

[Smowball]

What are the best ways to lower it?

[boxtops]

If I knew, I'd tell you - but low fat foods, exercise, all the things I'm bad at doing. My levels were borderline high (7.4) last time I was measured (and I ought to go back for another test any time now) - but I had such a bad experience on statins (which did bring it down but caused me physical problems) that I don't want to go back on them. Diet is the best way of dealing with it.

[boxtops]

^ as PS, the GPs are using a new coronary heart disease matrix now so they assess your risk of CHD by putting in all the indicators for individual patients - although my cholesterol reading was up, all the other risk indicators were low so they were happy to leave me as I was, without medication.

[Smowball]

new docs tests said mine was very slightly raised (by 0.4 above a typical level) but didnt tell me what my actual level was!

[boxtops]

.... 5.4? 5 is usually the top level before people start getting concerned, IMO

[furrypusscat]

Hi there are different prescription drugs that your GP can try. My husband had been on atorvastatin for many years, were good at the job but had started giving him side effects, tired & lethargic, joint aching. He was taken off them for a couple of weeks, taking nothing and he felt much better. His GP has now tried him on a different one, 'Pravastatin' and he is much better, no probs at all. Go back & see GP.
As to original question, diet and exercise & keep to a reasonable weight.

[Smowball]

hmmm, maybe I should try cutting out the lard sandwiches? : )

[furrypusscat]

mmmm, would definitely help. Don't eat too much red meat, chicken is good. Use semi skimmed milk or even soya, low spread fats not butter. Hubby is going for fasting blood test today to see how new drugs are working. Think my own level was 4.7 so am pleased with that.

[boxtops]

furry, statins just don't suit everyone - I was on different ones for two years (with good results but with terrible muscle pains, one was just not worth the other). It's taken me two years to get back mobility in my arms and even now one's not fully functional (I still can't do up my bra at the back). I'd resist any attempt to put me back on a statin - and I know I'm not the only one.

[furrypusscat]

I agree with you boxtops. I am sorry to hear how badly affected you have been. If it has had that effect, then obviously I can understand how you feel. It is a difficult one then. I know hubby's GP went into depths of explaining what the different ones do, how they work and their effects. I know simvastatin has a bad reputation for side effects and hubby would not take them under any circumstances.

[furrypusscat]

Your results, Smowball, also depends on what the breakdown is as there is good cholestrol which we need and bad. He may not be unduly concerned dependant on what the breakdown levels are.

[boxtops]

I agree, furry, and it all depends on the risk assessment.

It was simvastatin which started my problems, and unfortunately it had got quite bad before the GP took me down to a lower dose of atorvastatin, then took me off them altogether.

I'm seeing the GP next week about something else, I might raise the subject again (if they don't do it first!).

[Sqad]

The cholesterol debate once again.

I will just answer your question Smowball:

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and nuts; limit whole-fat foods, processed flours and sugars; and get plenty of exercise.

[slaney]

Just a reminder that the cholesterol level mentioned here is the total cholesterol level -containing (among other things) both "good" HDH, and "bad" LDH - which is not all that helpful on its own.
What is really important, and what you should ask your GP for is the Cholesterol Ratio, that is the ratio of the Total Cholesterol (TC) to the "good" cholesterol(HDH) -TC/HDL ratio which should be less than 4.5.
For example my TC is 6.5, but because I have a high level of "good" cholesterol, my ratio is 3.7, which is fine so no action needs to be taken.

As boxtops says there are newer ways of cardiovascular risk assessments in addition to measuring cholesterol.

As for lowering cholesterol; diet can reduce it but by only about 10%

[Old_Geezer]

There are those expensive margarines and yogurts and stuff you could try. Last I had mine checked I was doing all the 'wrong' things and was still quite low. Was some time ago now though.

[Ann]

Hi Smowball, I have porridge for breakfast with dried cranberries and raisins in it to sweeten it, my levels have been normal since I started eating it every day.

[missprim]

Have a look at this Smow
http://cholesterol.ab...ngfoods/a/oatmeal.htm
I now eat porridge or Oatabix and Oatmeal bread with Benecol.
Might be worth swapping the wheat for the oats.

[lcg]

have a cholesterol reducing yoghurt drink each morning...

[mrs_overall]

I recently came off the evil statins as they were making me so ill. Like Boxy, I was crippled with joint pains and I also had a horrible rash.
I've started taking 75mg of aspirin each day. I'm waiting results of a blood test to check my cholesterol and my doc has told me there are other meds other than statins that can be prescribed.

[Smowball]

Mrs O - may I be so bold as to ask your age group? mine is early 40's