New Guidelines for Cholesterol Readings

[Kira]

I know that my cholesterol numbers are a result of genetics and poor diet and so I’ve just started to eat fruit and whole grains instead of donuts and Little Debbie snacks. I’m going to change my diet some

SOME?

 

[Pablo]

I’m 46 and very healthy. Never been on any meds in my life other than seasonal allergy OTC drugs. I’ve always been athletic. I exercise more than most people, and I do a lot of manual labor that has me sweating profusely most of the year. In addition, my buddies and I have been playing disc golf because it’s a good excuse to walk 2 to 4 miles in the woods and pass fun time. I had my annual physical last month. ALL of my blood work came back 100% perfect except my cholesterol which was around 185. Doc immediately mentioned meds.

I was telling some guys at work about it who are both older than me, one who is quite a bit older. Immediately both of them said “Don’t take statins. They’ll shave more years off your life than they’ve save.” And in fact, when my doctor sent me the follow up letter he did mention all the side effects people talk about.

I know that my cholesterol numbers are a result of genetics and poor diet and so I’ve just started to eat fruit and whole grains instead of donuts and Little Debbie snacks. I’m going to change my diet some and get tested again in a few months and see if those numbers look better… mostly out of curiosity because I am NOT wanting to take statins.

Cholesterol of 185 is nothing, your doc may be looking at other numbers because the number alone is a bit meaningless

But yeah lose the Little Debs

 

[Fitter30]

Can't take statins on Repatha knock my numbers way down. Next time im going to pick different parents.

 

[OFFRD]

SOME?

Yes, some. As in, I'm not going to starve myself to death in fear like some folks do. I will eat what I want, and simply shave some of the "bad" foods out. I was already getting vegetables, meats, and more natural drinks on a weekly basis as it was. I just changed my snacking from processed stuff to fruit.

If my numbers DON'T improve when I go back in a few months, I'm sure my doctor will be more insistent upon prescription meds at that point. But honestly I will likely still refuse because I feel good and I can work all day long outdoors and do whatever I want. I have no health limitations. And no family history of people dying at early age.

 

[OFFRD]

Cholesterol of 185 is nothing, your doc may be looking at other numbers because the number alone is a bit meaningless

But yeah lose the Little Debs

Yeah, triglycerides were 204 (high), VLDL 38 (normal), LDL 182 (high).

All of those are improved this year vs. 2024 when I did the same testing, except LDL which went up just slightly this year.

 

[Pablo]

Yeah, triglycerides were 204 (high), VLDL 38 (normal), LDL 182 (high).

All of those are improved this year vs. 2024 when I did the same testing, except LDL which went up just slightly this year.

Indeed cut the carbs. Triglycerides and LDL will drop. You are young so it’s easy

At 67 my numbers are decent but stubborn!

 

[Kira]

I'm not going to starve myself to death in fear like some folks do.

I'm with you and wish you luck.

In my case I cut out >95% of my carbs....and it was 'torture'....I go about life dreaming about carbs.
After missing an exit whilst dreaming of carbs, I realized that's distracted driving too.

Fortunately for me, veggies, yoghurt, fruits, lean meats have always been big.
And I'm still active and starving doesn't occur.

In a related vein: I just got an estimate for tinting my car's front 3 windows because of a tightness I feel on my left side.
No freak out here as a dermatologist examined me 4 days ago....but I want my exposure to radiation reduced.

 

[Lyman]

I'm not adding more here. I've been scolded.

I don't trust the medical profession any more that I do, say used car dealers, lawyers, and politicians. This is not saying ALL docs are quacks, but following a protocol does not always lead to better health.

I'm with you on that. My Primary Care Dr pointed me in one direction and I went the opposite. Guess what. On my next visit my numbers were much better. She said keep doing what you are doing. I guess steak and eggs are good for me. My cholesterol and triglycerides went down. I do eat less carbs though. My Wife's Doctor tried to get her on statins and she doesn't even have high cholesterol. The system is broken.

 

[Vil_Riker]

If you search for something specific on the internet chances are you will find it.

Here's my advice. If there's one type of advice to never take from random people on the internet (youtubers, forums, etc), it's medical advice.

Talk to your doctor. Get a 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) opinion from other doctor(s).

Search peer published studies on cardiac deaths for patients on and without statins. There is no statistically significant improvement for patients on statins.

 

[#18FAN]

I’m 46 and very healthy. Never been on any meds in my life other than seasonal allergy OTC drugs. I’ve always been athletic. I exercise more than most people, and I do a lot of manual labor that has me sweating profusely most of the year. In addition, my buddies and I have been playing disc golf because it’s a good excuse to walk 2 to 4 miles in the woods and pass fun time. I had my annual physical last month. ALL of my blood work came back 100% perfect except my cholesterol which was around 185. Doc immediately mentioned meds.

I was telling some guys at work about it who are both older than me, one who is quite a bit older. Immediately both of them said “Don’t take statins. They’ll shave more years off your life than they’ve save.” And in fact, when my doctor sent me the follow up letter he did mention all the side effects people talk about.

I know that my cholesterol numbers are a result of genetics and poor diet and so I’ve just started to eat fruit and whole grains instead of donuts and Little Debbie snacks. I’m going to change my diet some and get tested again in a few months and see if those numbers look better… mostly out of curiosity because I am NOT wanting to take statins.

Might want t to do some research on fruits and grains if they are all that good for you.

 

[trd1zz]

Let me guess. Red meat only?

 

[theseer2]

I use 5w-20 every 6 months and my cholestrol is just fine.

 

[#18FAN]

Let me guess. Red meat only?

Nope

 

[OFFRD]

Might want t to do some research on fruits and grains if they are all that good for you.

Anything that grows naturally is healthy. Well, 98% of them. There are some berries that are poisonous.

Last week I snacked on strawberries. This week grapes. Grapes are awesome. Antioxidant properties, and chemicals linked to heart health, brain function, and blood pressure regulation. Had some mandarin orange for my after lunch snack. Vitamin C linked to immune system response and metabolism. Rock on.

I'll still have the occasional donut. But I'm backing way off that stuff now.