High cholesterol, need advice, PLEASE?

Question

I went in for my yearly physical, and my bloodwork came back okay, except for my cholesterol... it's 220. I have a history of open heart surgery (mechanical mitral valve), and I am currently on medication to control my blood pressure (it's under control with the meds). My mom, sister, and late dad all have high cholesterol. I have an appointment with my doctor to discuss what steps to take next. I eat fairly right (very few red meats, etc.), and I go walking five days a week. Has anyone out there gone through this? I'm nervous about my doctor appointment this week. What information do I need to tell him? What are your experiences? Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can share.

Answer 1

Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. Saturated fat is found mostly in foods from animals and some plants. Foods from animals include beef, beef fat, veal, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, butter, cream, milk, cheeses and other dairy products made from whole and 2 percent milk. All of these foods also contain dietary cholesterol. Foods from plants that contain saturated fat include coconut, coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil (often called tropical oils), and cocoa butter.
High cholesterol causes high blood pressure. The best thing for high cholesterol is Losing weight. A plant-based diet in conjunction with a properly conducted fast most often leads to a total recovery or a vast improvement in hypertension and angina.

Answer 2

I had the same experience, and what I found out is that cholesterol has less to do about the cholesterol you eat, and more to do with the cholesterol fighting foods you DON'T eat. So. Make SURE you get your daily dose of fiber. That's key. And look for "heart healthy" products (like orange juice) that have added plant sterols, which also fight it. Genetics also plays a part, though, and sometimes diet and exercise will not be enough to combat it. If after 6 months or so of honestly trying your body is not responding, you might ask your doctor about cholesterol meds. It's not ideal, of course, but if your heart is already not 100%, it might be the way to go.

Good luck!

Answer 3

NO red meat.

Very low fat diet.

How about 3 miles a day. If he can't walk fast, that is a bad sign.

Overtime, as is comfortable, he needs to try to get his walking speed up. Higher energy exercise, over 540 cal/hr pace, helps lower cholesterol dramatically over time. The problem is being able to do it.

Answer 4

I dont know all that much about this whole type of thing, but i wouldnt be too concerned if i were you, you're taking the right steps and a journey of a thousand miles, the first step is the hardest one. As long as you're eating right and going out and exercising then i'm sure you should be fine. i dont think your doctor will punish you, i'm sure they've seen all sorts of cases like yours.
Hang in there!
- Worry Wart

Answer 5

go to a book store and get "NO More Heart Disease" by Dr. Louis Ignarro. You will learn a great deal more in that one book, that your doctor ever learned about nutrition.