High Cholesterol

[illuminating_anchor]

Does anyone one here have high cholesterol? I was reading an article today and it was talking about the range of people who can get high cholesterol. It said that anyone can get it as it does not depend on age, sex or fitness.

As a reasonably healthy guy with a high metabolism I always felt pretty safe but I eat a lot of junk food. So I am a bit worried about having high cholesterol.

The article suggested going and getting tested and had this url for free testing that is going on in Australia if you live down under: http://www.testthenation.com otherwise you can get tested at the doctors.

[Seeking_Nirvana]

Since my sister died of a blood clot due to high cholesterol, smoking and taking the birth control pill at age 28 I had to have my cholesterol checked at age 25 and it was high. I believe it was 220 and I only weighed 125 lbs with moderate activity.

I get mine checked every year and I've managed to keep it under 200, which is still high but they consider it borderline high.

It is important to have it checked no matter how old you are or how thin you are. My sister was very young to have a blood clot and she was a waitress, so she was on the move a lot.

Peace
Tammy

[2quilt]

I have been on a statin drug to treat high cholesterol for 15 years. I am obese and because of physical disabilities, it's impossible for me to get my heart rate up by running or such activity. If I want to lower my weight and cholesterol, I have to do it by my diet, and I just don't try very hard.

[Lucky Laser]

If you go and donate blood (at least where I live), you can call in several days later and get a cholesterol reading. It won't be the whole breakdown of the different types of lipids, but its somewhere to start if you don't want to go to a lab and also do a good deed at the dame time. Last time I had mine checked it was good but I know that I have to be careful because of my family history.

My husband and I like to have friendly competitions at the pharmacy blood pressure machines because he's kind of a big guy but his blood pressure and cholesterol are better than mine, grrrr!

[Cecilia]

My husband has high cholesterol and has tried several medications. They all have horrible side effects.

Does anyone know any natural remedies besides diet and exercise? He does that.

[nic]

I have no idea what my cholesterol level is. I, too assume that since I'm not overweight or anything I must be fine. Can a primary care doc do a simple blood test, or do you have to go to a specialist?

[Lucky Laser]

A primary care doc should be able to order the test. From what I understand, they should be screening anyone over the age of 20 every five years or so, more often if they turn out to have high levels or have significant risk factors. You might also want to do a search for health fairs (or ask a local pharmacy about them) in your area. Sometimes they will do them for free.

[She Cat]

Anyone can have high Cholesterol. My daughter at age 31 had a total cholesterol of 257. She exercised, ate healthy, and weighed only 118.

Sometimes it is caused by the food we eat, others it is caused from the liver not processing right.

[Seeking_Nirvana]

I believe genetics play a role in this as well.

Tammy

[Grama-Herc]

Genetics play a huge role in the level of cholesterol. Mine was elevated so doc put me on a diet and very mild exercise. Mine then went up! I am now on meds to help control it.

I am getting mine checked every 6 months now and watch what I eat----ah---sorta.
But the others are correct, never assume just because you are active and healthy that you are OK

[2quilt]

Cecilia,
Garlic lowers cholesterol, but don't cook it too long because the heat kills the benefits.

[Cecilia]

Thanks, 2Quilt. I will give it a try.

[illuminating_anchor]

Thanks for all the info guys. I am definitely going to get mine checked out, now.