Poll: Do you know your cholesterol.....and.are you taking a statin?

[Momto3]

Do you know your cholesterol numbers?  Are you taking a statin medication?  If so, have your cholesterol levels improved?

[Flycaster305]

About 15 years ago I was told my total cholesterol was over 300, I can't recall the beakdowns.  I tried to get them down by diet alone, so went to hospital dietary lectures, quit eating fast food, did all the things that will reduce the cholesterol number.  I got it down to about 220, and thought that was enough, even though my doctor wanted the level lower.  I was listening to family members who distained prescription meds and refused to take a statin, wanting to go the 'natural' route.  Huge mistake, had three MI's, I've got eight stents to back up my statement.  My total cholesterol is now 137 with high hdl's, low ldl's and tri's, but it's like closing the gate after the cows got out.  I now believe that one must watch the diet very closely as well as take statins if the cholesterol is high.  It is my belief that very, very strict dietary control can reduce one's cholesterol about 30%, but not much more than that, and research I've read backs up that.  

I had another stress test Monday and I clearly have more blockages and a weakened heart, I'll have an angiogram to assess more clearly what is going on.  If I could change one thing in my life, I would have mixed in a statin when I changed my dietary habits.  I think anyone who has high cholesterol and refuses to take statins should walk in my shoes a day, I'll bet they would reconsider and take a more balanced stance.

[Momto3]

What a great post for those members who are facing the decision you faced years ago....

You did what you thought was in your best interest, and it really is hard to say if things would have been different had you subscribed to taking the statin.  One thing that comes to mind - IF you had taken the statin when it was suggested, you may have become complacent with the dietary changes.  I've noticed that we can get fooled into a false sense of security when our cholesterol numbers look good.  This way, though it may not have been right, you absolutely know how to manage your diet and your healthy lifestyle changes may be what's helping the statins to work better for you.  It's just so hard to say.

I hope the angiogram reveals the blockages are small, and you're doing well.

Incidentally, I've heard the change in cholesterol levels from diet alone averages around 10%.  It helps, but I agree it's important to recognize when diet alone is not enough.  Thanks for helping us to understand the importance of vigilent monitoring and management.

Connie
P.S. How was your fishing trip?  Those fish had better watch out!

[Flycaster305]

I've seen the studies that show the averages, but being somewhat of a compulsive personality, I embraced a very strict diet and my experience was a 30% drop in total cholesterol.  It's very difficult to maintain that lifestyle, however, and quite expensive.  I believe I made a huge mistake by not taking the statins, believing in only natural cures.  A balanced approach  to heart disease makes so much sense in retrospect.

Thanks for asking about the fishing  in Mexico.  We had a wonderful trip with the children and grandchildren, and even after almost ten days together we were all speaking at the end of the journey.  Our fishing trip was interesting, we caught tuna and spanish mackeral, and it was billfish 3 , fisherfolk 0.  We would have released the billfish anyway but it was really a thrill to have them on the line.  The beauty of the bay around Puerto Villarta was stunning.  

[Me967]

First of all I also tried to control mine naturally along with my high BP for a couple of years.  Some people just cannot for one reason or another.  I did not have all of the end problems that you did though.  I'm so sorry you went threw everything that you did.  What a post though for others to read though.  WOW.  

The other thing I wanted to say was it sounded like you had a great fishing trip in Mexico.  That is so cool!  I never caught anything over 28 #'s.  And lastly I hope your test results turn out good and better than expected.  I have read a lot of your post in the past and you tell it how it is.  I hope a lot of people read this and learn from it. Take care and thank you for your post.  : -)

[pusher]

Total Cholesterol @ 115, HDL @ 39, LDL @ 66, Tri's @ 77.  I began the struggle 5 years ago with an MI and CABGx5.  I don't know what the numbers were then but have been on Lipitor and Zetia ever since and have had good numbers except for the HDL.  Still working on that.  Currently going through Cardiac Rehab again after several caths showed alot of new blockages that can't be stented or bypassed.  

[Momto3]

I'm so glad the fishing trip was so much fun....and that you're all still speaking to one another!!  LOL!! I have never fished, but I know enough to know those are some BIG fish!!!

It's so important for those of us just embarking on the statin decision to read stories like yours.  I am truly grateful for your perspective AND your terrific outlook on life!!  I also feel it's all about balance -

Hope you're enjoying your summer!