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New US Diet Guidelines: What Not to Eat
Instead of just giving Americans a list of healthy food choices, the federal government takes a stab at showing us what not to eat. Get the facts here.
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Cholesterol Confusing
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Hopie2008 posted:
I recently had blood work. My total cholesterol was 285, LDL 178, HDL 76 Tri. 156. The doctor called in a cholesterol lowering drug. Within 2 days I felt chest constrictions and total muscle pain over my entire body. My pharmacist told me that I could stop taking this drug which I did. Within 24 hours, I felt normal. I have changed my diet to include low to no cholesterol and low to no fat. I have also tried to incorporate cholesterol lowering foods into my diet such as oatmeal, grains, grape juice, grapes, a glass of red wine, salmon, etc. I have lost 10 pounds. The doctor did not call me in for a consultation----only called in the drug. I am concerned about the side effects as I am also currently taking an antidepressant also--prescribed by the same physician. I hear conflicting information. Some people tell me that my cholesterol is not that high to take a drug, Others tell me that I should not have been given a drug without first trying to lower the cholesterol with diet and exercise.Still others tell me that high cholesterol is genetic and age related and that diet and exercise will not help. I feel that the physician should have called me in for a consultation before prescribing a drug and discuss my risks and options. My insurance will not pay for any more screening until next year. What should I do from here? Presently, I feel great and I am continuing my diet and exercise.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Cholesterol ConfusingI recently had blood work. My total cholesterol was 285, LDL 178, HDL 76 Tri. 156. The doctor called in a cholesterol lowering drug. Within 2 days I felt chest constrictions and total muscle pain over my entire body. My pharmacist told me that I could stop taking this drug which I did. Within 24 hours, I felt normal. I have changed my diet to include low to no cholesterol and low to no fat. I have also tried to incorporate cholesterol lowering foods into my diet such as oatmeal, grains, grape juice, grapes, a glass of red wine, salmon, etc. I have lost 10 pounds. The doctor did not call me in for a consultation----only called in the drug. I am concerned about the side effects as I am also currently taking an antidepressant also--prescribed by the same physician. I hear conflicting information. Some people tell me that my cholesterol is not that high to take a drug, Others tell me that I should not have been given a drug without first trying to lower the cholesterol with diet and exercise.Still others tell me that high cholesterol is genetic and age related and that diet and exercise will not help. I feel that the physician should have called me in for a consultation before prescribing a drug and discuss my risks and options. My insurance will not pay for any more screening until next year. What should I do from here? Presently, I feel great and I am continuing my diet and exercise.
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BillH99 responded:
No matter what your cholesterol levels, age, etc a healthy lifestyle will help reduce illness and disability of all kinds including cardiac.

I have changed my diet to include low to no cholesterol and low to no fat. I have also tried to incorporate cholesterol lowering foods into my diet such as oatmeal, grains, grape juice, grapes, a glass of red wine, salmon, etc.

In general you don't want a low fat diet. You want a low saturated fat, but you need good fat. Such as what is in the salmon, olive oil, fats, and nuts.

Personally I like the Mediterranean style diet.
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/mediterranean-diet-topic-overview

And a good diet, exercise, and losing weight will very certainly help improve your numbers.



I have no idea of if it will be enough or not.

I feel that the physician should have called me in for a consultation before prescribing a drug and discuss my risks and options.

I agree.

My insurance will not pay for any more screening until next year.

I don't know what your insurance covers.

But you have now been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Followup would be treatment and not screening.

I don't know what cholesterol med you where prescribed, but for the common statin class it is common to have follow up blood work in 4-8 weeks to see if it is working and check for some one type of side effect.
Report This| Share this:Cholesterol ConfusingNo matter what your cholesterol levels, age, etc a healthy lifestyle will help reduce illness and disability of all kinds including cardiac.<br /><br /> <i>I have changed my diet to include low to no cholesterol and low to no fat. I have also tried to incorporate cholesterol lowering foods into my diet such as oatmeal, grains, grape juice, grapes, a glass of red wine, salmon, etc</i>.<br /><br />In general you don't want a low fat diet. You want a low saturated fat, but you need good fat. Such as what is in the salmon, olive oil, fats, and nuts.<br /><br />Personally I like the Mediterranean style diet.<br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/mediterranean-diet-topic-overview">http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/mediterranean-diet-topic-overview</a> <br /><br />And a good diet, exercise, and losing weight will very certainly help improve your numbers. <br /><br /><br /><br />I have no idea of if it will be enough or not.<br /><br /> <i>I feel that the physician should have called me in for a consultation before prescribing a drug and discuss my risks and options.</i><br /><br />I agree.<br /><br /><i>My insurance will not pay for any more screening until next year.</i><br /><br />I don't know what your insurance covers.<br /><br />But you have now been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Followup would be treatment and not screening.<br /><br />I don't know what cholesterol med you where prescribed, but for the common statin class it is common to have follow up blood work in 4-8 weeks to see if it is working and check for some one type of side effect.
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