Those with high cholesterol or heart issues...need info.

[kinntj]

My DH just had his physical Tuesday and went for his bloodwork on Thursday. Today his Dr.'s office called him and scheduled an appointment for next Thursday regarding his high cholesterol. His #'s should be coming in the mail, since the receptionist didn't have them there.

So we're trying to figure out what options are out there for him. I'm guessing most likely his diet will have to change, since it's not too good right now. His grandma and dad both have had silent heart attacks and his dad had a stint put in last year. Where should we start? Are there any great heart healthy recipe books out there. I love cookbooks, so if there's any you could recommend.

We'll see if his dr. wants to do more thorough tests. He's only had a blood test.

He's 42 and he exercises 5 days a week, plus he's pretty active on the weekends.

 

[rgf207]

I'm 30 years old and come from a long family history of Heart and Cholesterol issues. Here are some tips.

There are 2 types of Cholesterol, HDL and LDL. HDL is the "good cholesterol" and can help. LDL is the "bad cholesterol" and can cause plaque buildup which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

1. Foods high in saturated fat can raise your cholesterol levels as well as foods high in cholesterol. These are commonly processed foods, red meats, dairy, etc.

2. Your diet is the first thing that needs to change. You need to eat more grains, fish, chicken, and veggies. Stay away from deep fried foods and foods cooked in oil. I grill, bake and broil most of my foods.

3. Exercise is crucial. I go to the gym 5 to 6 days a week. You should get 30 - 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can help with cholesterol and high blood pressure. Taking brisk walks every day is a start.

4. Sometimes you can't control high cholesterol no matter what you do. It all depends on what your body produces and what your diet is like.

5. Fish Oil. I take 3 fish oil tablets per day. This really helps me. It helped lower my bad cholesterol and raise my good cholesterol. I would highly recommend that and my doctor says it's very good to do.

I've had high blood pressure and cholesterol since I was 25. I watch what I eat and exercise 5 times a week. I weigh 180 pounds and no longer have high cholesterol or high blood pressure

It's a lifestyle change, not a diet.

 

[PatsMom]

I agree with most of what the prior poster said. I just basically follow a fairly healthy diet. I am diabetic so the diet thing can be a struggle sometimes! And exercise. In addition to HDL and LDL cholesterol, they usually test for triglycerides. If diet and exercise do not control cholesterol and triglycerides, there are medications that can be taken. I'm on a statin and a fenofibrate. My husband and I take fish oil - it is good for your hears.

My husband also takes a combination of B vitamins to help control his cholesterol because he has had a bad reaction to statins when he has tried them in the past.

You can get books at your local library or bookstore with plenty of heart healthy recipes. Or there are a lot of sites on the internet that have healthy cooking tips.

High cholesterol itself does not mean that you have any heart issues. It is a condition that can cause heart issues down the road as I understand it.

 

[rgf207]

High cholesterol itself does not mean that you have any heart issues. It is a condition that can cause heart issues down the road as I understand it.

Yes, this is true.

 

[scootch]

I have a strong family history of high cholesterol. We tried diet and exercise without success. I tried the fish oil but it gave me terrible gas(sorry if toomuch info). I ended up going on prescription medication and although it helped, my numbers were still off. I started taking Krill oil(it is a high concentrated form of omega three/fish oil). I specifically took the Mega Red brand, twice a day..... and it changed my labs DRAMATICALLY. So much I asked if my name was really at the top of the paper~! He should also be taking a baby aspirin if he does not have any stomach issues. I used to work in a cardiothoracic ICU and can tell you, aspirin does work! Thankfully he exercises, so tell him to continue that. The only other advise is to be sure he does not wait if he does have chest pain. The sooner you get to the ER, the sooner they can do something and prevent heart damage. You are better off going to the ER and it turning out to be simple indigestion than not go and end up having permanant heart damage. Hugs to you.

 

[VBsHustla]

Two books that I found really interesting and might be helpful are: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell Esselstyn and The China Study by T. Colin Campbell.