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I'd be most grateful for some advice about reducing bad cholesterol (LDL).
6 months ago my routine blood tests showed that my cholesterol was just above the normal upper limit, so my doctor said I might need to start taking statins. But I explained that for 6 months before that round of blood tests I had deliberately been eating biscuits, cakes, and cheese every day (in addition to my very healthy diet and physical exercise programme) to put on some weight. I'm 70 years old.
So for the last… read more
Answer Summary
Members shared personal experiences about managing high LDL cholesterol, with many finding that dietary changes alone were not enough,... Read more
@A myHIVteam Member, thanks very much for your account.
I have. My situation was similar to yours.
I've been on one statin or another for 22 years, currently on rosuvastatin 10mg daily. I was diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia in 2003, but only AFTER changing my diet for six months. Nothing changed.
High cholesterol can be hereditary. In my case it was determined so by ensuring it wasn't diet-related, and being diagnosed at the young age of 37.
Last year I asked my doctor if we could experiment again since my diet is better than ever. So we stopped the Crestor for 4 months but, alas, my bad lipids skyrocketed and my good lipids dropped. Confirmation that it is indeed hereditary.
I understand your reluctance. I take a heck of a lot of drugs and supplements everyday myself. I, too, was hoping to reduce that in my quest to reevaluate my hypercholesterolemia.
The benefits at my age (37 then and 59 now) outweigh the risks. I also listened to my body when I was off the Crestor the second time to see if it was contributing at all to my fibromyalgia symptoms. It wasn't.
I would recommend starting the smallest dose possible of rosuvastatin. 5mg I think. Possibly less. If not, cut a pill in half if your doctor will allow it. But only you can make the decision that's right for you because you know you best.
I take a statin.
I also refuse to take a statin. I've been working really hard to get my numbers down at least stay under 100 for ldl. I've been eating overnight oats, avocados, walnuts, even Merlot or Pinot Noir supposed to help lower it. Definitely look at your diet and find the hidden things that can be causing elevated cholesterol example coconut oils are very high.
Very isolated rural life-style here, @A myHIVteam Member, which is OK as long as one has no major disability issues, and as long as one is still allowed to drive! It's not much different from living in the Sussex or Kent contryside except that a trip to London is a major undertaking from here, taking a major part of a day! The lifestyle here keeps me active, which is good. This afternoon, for example, 5 hours were spent weeding four large areas of ground. It's a job which, at this time of year and until autumn, has to be done every week, but I do it with headphones on and I hear a great array of interesting stuff, mainly Audible material and political podcasts, which I wouldn't otherwise listen to. 😁
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