cholesterol
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: gone surfin'
In short the answer is no
A slightly elevated cholesterol has to be seen in light of the bigger picture, smoking, blood pressure, inactivity etc.
It may be something you could address by modifying your diet. What did your doc say?
A slightly elevated cholesterol has to be seen in light of the bigger picture, smoking, blood pressure, inactivity etc.
It may be something you could address by modifying your diet. What did your doc say?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: london
reply
ah! going to see the doc on monday, but, having poured over the internet, i feel that i will first try to get levels back to normal by exercise and diet. dont fancy taking drugs forever, also, i'm not over weight don't smoke or drink alcohol. 58 years old and not willing to give up yet.(but don't mind sacrificing
chips and chocs ha-ha)
chips and chocs ha-ha)
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: gone surfin'
Well, I'll give you an incling into how it is from the other side......
We're faced with a patient with a slightly raised cholesterol.
The evidence tells us that if we reduce the cholesterol, then the patient is less likely to suffer a stroke/heart attack, than if we don't.
We know that if the patient worked at his diet, exercise etc, he is likely to reduce his cholesterol, and chance of having a stroke.
We know that some patients are unlikely to make the changes and stick to 'em long term.
We know that we can use a chemical to lower cholesterol, but it's costly, and can have adverse effects.
We have to balance the cost& risk of the drug, against the benefits. We use the Framingham Score at the moment to guide us, but we will be using a more refined tool shortly.
Have a look at the bp thread to find out more. All interesting stuff.
We're faced with a patient with a slightly raised cholesterol.
The evidence tells us that if we reduce the cholesterol, then the patient is less likely to suffer a stroke/heart attack, than if we don't.
We know that if the patient worked at his diet, exercise etc, he is likely to reduce his cholesterol, and chance of having a stroke.
We know that some patients are unlikely to make the changes and stick to 'em long term.
We know that we can use a chemical to lower cholesterol, but it's costly, and can have adverse effects.
We have to balance the cost& risk of the drug, against the benefits. We use the Framingham Score at the moment to guide us, but we will be using a more refined tool shortly.
Have a look at the bp thread to find out more. All interesting stuff.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: london
reply 2
thanks...all very very interesting stuff. One more question!
If I try to cure myself (diet+exercise) how long before the cholesterol levels drop ? or is that a "how long is a piece of string question."
If I try to cure myself (diet+exercise) how long before the cholesterol levels drop ? or is that a "how long is a piece of string question."
