How do you know your cholesterol level?
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How do you know your cholesterol level?
Hi all,
I have got a medical coming up, I am reasonably healthy apart from suffering from tinitus.
What are the tell tale signs of high cholesterol?? To be perfectly honest I am not a healthy eater (am not obese), and wondered if there are any obvious signs of a higher than normal level??
Thanks all
I have got a medical coming up, I am reasonably healthy apart from suffering from tinitus.
What are the tell tale signs of high cholesterol?? To be perfectly honest I am not a healthy eater (am not obese), and wondered if there are any obvious signs of a higher than normal level??
Thanks all
Just ask your Doc for a check. My local surgery runs a "well man" clinic where you get a full "D" check (Height/weight, blood pressure and a detailed questionaire) They also take a blood sample of about 2 pints (only kidding 
) to test for Cholesterol and PSA. Best of all it's free and you get to chat up a pretty nurse
Only pilot moment came when I phoned a week later for the blood test results and was told " they are fine". "No I'm a pilot gimme the numbers". "Can't - you will have to talk with the Doc!". "But it's my blood and my health
"
Anyway they finally told me and I checked against a handy table found via Google which said "they're fine" .............
) to test for Cholesterol and PSA. Best of all it's free and you get to chat up a pretty nurse Only pilot moment came when I phoned a week later for the blood test results and was told " they are fine". "No I'm a pilot gimme the numbers". "Can't - you will have to talk with the Doc!". "But it's my blood and my health
"Anyway they finally told me and I checked against a handy table found via Google which said "they're fine" .............
Buzz
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I was told that having high colesterol is only a problem if you also have high blood pressure. Therefore, a doctor would check your blood pressure first, and if that is acceptable there would be no requirement for a cholesterol test. Is this true?
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I should imagine if you have high blood pressure, the doctor then checks cholesterol level as a possible cause rather than because the combination is dangerous.
High blood pressure can be caused by many things, cholesterol deposits is one of them. It is a good idea to check cholesterol levels regularly whatever your age or blood pressure, because if you alter your diet early enough, you may prevent high blood pressure altogether.
Once you have high blood pressure, it is not easy to reduce it again.
High blood pressure can be caused by many things, cholesterol deposits is one of them. It is a good idea to check cholesterol levels regularly whatever your age or blood pressure, because if you alter your diet early enough, you may prevent high blood pressure altogether.
Once you have high blood pressure, it is not easy to reduce it again.
DON'T risk a heart attack
I would take great care about using (and I don't wish to be disrespectful to anybody) un-informed non-medical opinions to make sweeping statements or general diagnoses. flyingbee I think you are completely wrong.
I am admittedly over weight and make constant efforts to keep it under control but have (and always have had) perfectly good blood pressure at 120 / 80. In 1999 I suffered a heart attack due to a vessel blocked with fatty deposits and found to my horror that I had a cholesterol of 7.0.
After about 9 months, some radical diet changes and various anti-cholesterol and anti-lipid tablets which I still take daily, medical examinations, treadmill tests and an angiogram I got my medical certificate back. I still - and always will - have to visit the Belgrano for a cardiological review every year.
I was told by the CAA cardiologist at the time I was being reviewed for revalidation in 1990, that high cholesterol was the big problem. I was apoplectic (when I subsequently discovered it) about my GPs surgery who had previously told me "high but fine" without numbers after a previous well man visit. On detailed cross examination of my GP they then started to claim that they had said "high and not fine" and as there was no written evidence one way or the other I had to let that one drop.
My advice is to always get the numbers - in writing (mine is now about 3.8) and have some medical interpreation of the LDL and HDL fractions within your total cholesterol and a clear medical view whether things are OK or not.
Your heart and cardiovascular system are too important to leave to chance, uninformed opinion and without absolute certainty
I am admittedly over weight and make constant efforts to keep it under control but have (and always have had) perfectly good blood pressure at 120 / 80. In 1999 I suffered a heart attack due to a vessel blocked with fatty deposits and found to my horror that I had a cholesterol of 7.0.
After about 9 months, some radical diet changes and various anti-cholesterol and anti-lipid tablets which I still take daily, medical examinations, treadmill tests and an angiogram I got my medical certificate back. I still - and always will - have to visit the Belgrano for a cardiological review every year.
I was told by the CAA cardiologist at the time I was being reviewed for revalidation in 1990, that high cholesterol was the big problem. I was apoplectic (when I subsequently discovered it) about my GPs surgery who had previously told me "high but fine" without numbers after a previous well man visit. On detailed cross examination of my GP they then started to claim that they had said "high and not fine" and as there was no written evidence one way or the other I had to let that one drop.
My advice is to always get the numbers - in writing (mine is now about 3.8) and have some medical interpreation of the LDL and HDL fractions within your total cholesterol and a clear medical view whether things are OK or not.
Your heart and cardiovascular system are too important to leave to chance, uninformed opinion and without absolute certainty
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Dave Gittins, thank you for your response. I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear in my previous post, I was simply asking a question, trying to find out if what I had been told was correct, rather than give uninformed, non-medical opinions. I asked if anybody knew if the statemate was true because it was something I had been told and I wasn't sure about it.
The background of me hearing it is that my father has very highcholesterol, apparently non-diet related, and is trying to get it down because he's been warned he has a high heart attack risk. My father's cholesterol caused my sister to be concerned about hers and she went to her GP asking for a test. The GP told her about it only being a problem in combination with high bp, took her bp which was fine, and said that a cholesterol test was therefore unnecessary and wouldn't do one. The GP's response really surprised me, because I thought fatty deposits in the cardio vascular system were something to be very careful about regardless of bp. Hence me questioning the response.
The background of me hearing it is that my father has very highcholesterol, apparently non-diet related, and is trying to get it down because he's been warned he has a high heart attack risk. My father's cholesterol caused my sister to be concerned about hers and she went to her GP asking for a test. The GP told her about it only being a problem in combination with high bp, took her bp which was fine, and said that a cholesterol test was therefore unnecessary and wouldn't do one. The GP's response really surprised me, because I thought fatty deposits in the cardio vascular system were something to be very careful about regardless of bp. Hence me questioning the response.
Heart Disease
I wasn't taking offence and trying as best not to give it. I was simply concerned that what (certainly from personal bitter experience) appeared to me to be wholly incorrect needed a warning.
I share your opinion (as I would) that the cardio vascular system is something to be taken very seriously - especially if you want to do aviation.
I too am surprised at your GPs response but being non-medical myslef will have to leave it at that. In fact (as I think you are) I am amazed.
I share your opinion (as I would) that the cardio vascular system is something to be taken very seriously - especially if you want to do aviation.
I too am surprised at your GPs response but being non-medical myslef will have to leave it at that. In fact (as I think you are) I am amazed.
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Thanks for your replies guys!!
I am getting the impression that there is no obvious way of noting that your cholestrol is high, unless you get a blood test??
Are there any symptoms to look for??
Cheers all!
I am getting the impression that there is no obvious way of noting that your cholestrol is high, unless you get a blood test??
Are there any symptoms to look for??
Cheers all!
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It's best to try and maintain a healthy CV system before the symptoms occur. My cholesterol went high when I was under a lot of stress, so reducing stress was a big factor. That, combined with a healthy diet and a physical workout helped. Basically, get your heart rate up at least 3 times a week for about 30 mins will help your CV system. In case you're not into taking your pulse, you have reached the required heart rate when you are starting to sweat mildly.
I go out on my bike (pedal) and use the gym. Not much fun for some but my dad suffered high BP in his late forties and when he was 70 he was going to the gym 3 times a week so I decided it was time to learn a lesson from the old man, especially as there's a good chance I have the same genetic make up.
You only get the one body so it's a good idea to take care of it. I still enjoy myself, I just try and keep my weight near what it should be and do some physical stuff. I'm not a medic, but it seems to me that we were designed to work a lot more physically than our (often) sedentary jobs demand of us now. Also, I feel much better after an hour on my bike in the fresh air than I do after a deep night flight.
By the way, I go to the pub and enjoy it. I just do the other stuff as well.
I go out on my bike (pedal) and use the gym. Not much fun for some but my dad suffered high BP in his late forties and when he was 70 he was going to the gym 3 times a week so I decided it was time to learn a lesson from the old man, especially as there's a good chance I have the same genetic make up.
You only get the one body so it's a good idea to take care of it. I still enjoy myself, I just try and keep my weight near what it should be and do some physical stuff. I'm not a medic, but it seems to me that we were designed to work a lot more physically than our (often) sedentary jobs demand of us now. Also, I feel much better after an hour on my bike in the fresh air than I do after a deep night flight.
By the way, I go to the pub and enjoy it. I just do the other stuff as well.
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
As a non medically trained person, I believe that the only way (at present) to find out your blood cholestrol level, is by a blood check ie. have some blood taken via a needle.
I understand that you would probably need to fast for 8-12 hours prior to the blood test.
Cholestrol (plaque) deposits on the arteries are what can lead to increased blood pressure, amongst other things.
Total blood cholestrol is a combination of high density lipoproteins HDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL).
A person can have a higher than normal blood cholestrol level, however if it is as a result of a higher than normal HDL component, then this is probably beneficial.
Below is an extract written by the American Heart Association:-
What's the Difference Between LDL and HDL Cholesterol?
Why is LDL cholesterol considered "bad"?
When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. The levels of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the blood are measured to evaluate the risk of having a heart attack. LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL is the optimal level. Less than 130 mg/dL is near optimal for most people. A high LDL level (more than 160 mg/dL or 130 mg/dL or above if you have two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease) reflects an increased risk of heart disease. That's why LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol.
Why is HDL cholesterol considered "good"?
About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because a high level of it seems to protect against heart attack. (Low HDL cholesterol levels [less than 40 mg/dL] increase the risk for heart disease.) Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus slowing the buildup.
What is Lp(a) cholesterol?
Lp(a) is a genetic variation of plasma LDL. A high level of Lp(a) is an important risk factor for developing fatty deposits in arteries prematurely. The way an increased Lp(a) contributes to disease isn’t understood. The lesions in artery walls contain substances that may interact with Lp(a), leading to the buildup of fatty deposits.
The triglyceride connection
Triglyceride is a form of fat. It comes from food and is also made in your body. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol, a high LDL cholesterol and a low HDL cholesterol level. Many people with heart disease also have high triglyceride levels. People with diabetes or who are obese are also likely to have high triglycerides. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dL are normal; levels from 150-199 are borderline high. Levels that are borderline high or high (200 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL) may need treatment in some people. Triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or above are very high. Doctors need to treat high triglycerides in people who also have high LDL cholesterol levels.
I understand that you would probably need to fast for 8-12 hours prior to the blood test.
Cholestrol (plaque) deposits on the arteries are what can lead to increased blood pressure, amongst other things.
Total blood cholestrol is a combination of high density lipoproteins HDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL).
A person can have a higher than normal blood cholestrol level, however if it is as a result of a higher than normal HDL component, then this is probably beneficial.
Below is an extract written by the American Heart Association:-
What's the Difference Between LDL and HDL Cholesterol?
Why is LDL cholesterol considered "bad"?
When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. The levels of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the blood are measured to evaluate the risk of having a heart attack. LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL is the optimal level. Less than 130 mg/dL is near optimal for most people. A high LDL level (more than 160 mg/dL or 130 mg/dL or above if you have two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease) reflects an increased risk of heart disease. That's why LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol.
Why is HDL cholesterol considered "good"?
About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because a high level of it seems to protect against heart attack. (Low HDL cholesterol levels [less than 40 mg/dL] increase the risk for heart disease.) Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus slowing the buildup.
What is Lp(a) cholesterol?
Lp(a) is a genetic variation of plasma LDL. A high level of Lp(a) is an important risk factor for developing fatty deposits in arteries prematurely. The way an increased Lp(a) contributes to disease isn’t understood. The lesions in artery walls contain substances that may interact with Lp(a), leading to the buildup of fatty deposits.
The triglyceride connection
Triglyceride is a form of fat. It comes from food and is also made in your body. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol, a high LDL cholesterol and a low HDL cholesterol level. Many people with heart disease also have high triglyceride levels. People with diabetes or who are obese are also likely to have high triglycerides. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dL are normal; levels from 150-199 are borderline high. Levels that are borderline high or high (200 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL) may need treatment in some people. Triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or above are very high. Doctors need to treat high triglycerides in people who also have high LDL cholesterol levels.
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As far as testing is concerned,I believe the test is around £50,so this is probably why doctors are reluctant for tests unless the concern is coupled with other factors,eg,PB,family history,smoking etc.However,I'm sure I saw Boots advertising free cholesterol checks with no strings attatched.
Modern food remedys are EXTREMELY effective.Flora pro active and/or benecol yogurt drinks (one a day) can reduce bad cholesterol by up to 25% alone,couple this with other cholesterol reducing foods eg,grapefruit,porridge,chillies and you often remove the need for cholesterol lowering drugs.This is not "fad" or over exaggerated,but very effective.
PS Not suggesting the grapefruit,porridge and chillies all together!!!
Modern food remedys are EXTREMELY effective.Flora pro active and/or benecol yogurt drinks (one a day) can reduce bad cholesterol by up to 25% alone,couple this with other cholesterol reducing foods eg,grapefruit,porridge,chillies and you often remove the need for cholesterol lowering drugs.This is not "fad" or over exaggerated,but very effective.
PS Not suggesting the grapefruit,porridge and chillies all together!!!
Last edited by Mr Man; 28th Sep 2005 at 08:07.
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As far as I am aware, you are still able to request a blood test to check your cholesterol, blood count and liver function. I did it for years and still do - although I don't fly anymore. They call it preventative medicine now!
This is done via your GP in minutes. He gives you a path blood form, you nip to your hospital to have blood taken, usually very quickly, without an appointment, and the result appears on his computer in 48hrs around here. You can even ask for a print out these days.
This is done via your GP in minutes. He gives you a path blood form, you nip to your hospital to have blood taken, usually very quickly, without an appointment, and the result appears on his computer in 48hrs around here. You can even ask for a print out these days.
