im 37yrs old and have just been told by my doctor that i need to go on tablets for the rest of my life. my overall cholesterol level is 5.9,im 6ft and weigh 16.5stone and do not exercise but i am a very active worker, non smoker and rare drinker although i think my past exploits with fast food and alcohol may have caught up with me. my doctor wasnt to concerned about the overall level but was quite shocked at my LDL level. can anyone tell me more about LDL levels and if they know if this is a high reading or not because everyone who i talk to cant see any further than the 5.9 overall reading, i am very confused and quite worried.
Your LDL(bad) must be below 3.4, while your HDL(good) must be higher than 1.0. Your TRIGLYCERIDES must be below 2.3. Over all the average must be below 5.2. I’m sure your doctor gave you the speech about the risk of heart and stroke associated with high cholesterol but what he did not tell you was the risks associated with taking something like Lipitor for example. It does not reduce your chances off heart decease and if anything can cause liver damage. If you don’t want to take medications for the rest of your life a simple diet and daily exercise is the solution to your problem. I’m sure he told you to lose weight. It could be a result of years of poor diet and even lack of exercise. Most of the time it is hereditary, which means we can’t change our genes. We can however take responsibility and make the necessary changes for a healthier tomorrow.. Before you start popping pills eat healthier and find some kind of exercise that you can do everyday. Do it with a friend if it gets you motivated. You can do this if you want. Make the decision and go for it. Then the next time you go to see your doctor you will have results. GOOD LUCK! I was 34 when my doctor gave me the speech, so I know. Mine 6.2. Within four months I went down to 4.8.