Why doc says I have HIGH cholesterol?!
Question: I don't understand why my doctor says I have HIGH cholesterol. Total 197; highest it's ever been. I am 63, have run 6 marathons and still run 30+ miles per week, eat a very low fat diet. Most people consider me a "health nut". It just doesn't seem logical to me.
Answers:
There's been some research that's shown a much less clear correlation between high cholesterol and heart disease than was once thought. People with high and low cholesterol are in approximately equal distribution on the bell curve of patients with demonstrable heart disease.
Another blood factor, C-reactive protein, has been linked more closely as a positive risk factor for coronary artery disease.
"Data from the Physicians Health Study, a clinical trial involving 18,000 apparently healthy physicians, found that elevated levels of CRP were associated with a threefold increase in the risk of heart attack."
"In the Harvard Women's Health Study, results of the CRP test were more accurate than cholesterol levels in predicting coronary problems. Twelve different markers of inflammation were studied in healthy, postmenopausal women. After three years, CRP was the strongest predictor of risk. Women in the group with the highest CRP levels were more than four times as likely to have died from coronary disease, or suffered a nonfatal heart attack or stroke. This group was also more likely to have required a cardiac procedure such as angioplasty or bypass surgery than women in the group with the lowest levels."
"Elevated hs-CRP is related to increased risk for heart attack, restenosis of coronary arteries after angioplasty, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD)."
Cost for the test, called "HS-CRP" or "US-CRP", is approximately $20, and well worth it, if the Cleveland Clinic is to be believed. In conjuction with your cholesterol testing, this will give a much more clear picture of your overall cardiovascular health.
Other Answers:
At 197 you are 3 points from the highest normal number that is considered safe. The real thing you need to find out is how low is your "good" cholesterol in comparison to the "bad" cholesterol. If it is too low then they would consider 197 as being too high and that the balance is off. Try eating from 1 to 3 servings of dark fish per week and increase your oat and whole wheat intake and watch it drop a few points. If you don't like fish, take 1 to 3 fish oil capsuals per week. I wish you well.
Source(s):
Experience
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