Question 1

i used to have high cholesterol in my 20's and early 30's. now its really good. i don't take cholesterol meds. how does this happen?

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle: You are probably eating better, healthier and exercising more. 
Exercise will improve HDL (good) cholesterol and lower the bad one (ldl). Diet will improve ldl.
Lowering amount of alcohol intake will improve triglycerides.
Weight, thyroid disease and diabetes are other factors that will also change lipid values.

Question 2

i have gilberts disease. can i safely take a statin for high cholesterol ?

Accepted Answer

: Gilbert Syndrome is a genetic disorder in whom lacks an enzyme metabolizing bilirubin. Fortunately, it does not require monitoring or treatment, although a bilirubin level will intermittently be slightly elevated, this does not affect one’s health’s status. There are a few drugs that require the enzyme to metabolize and should therefore be avoided, however that does not include statins

Question 3

what are the chances of having high cholesterol at 24. dont smoke, dont drink, also dont have a spleen (if thats relevant). ?

Accepted Answer

Family history: Family history would be the strongest predictor of high cholesterol. If you are concerned you could get a blood test for lipids.
Have a healthy diet, exercise 30 minutes/day, drink plenty of water, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. For nutrition: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.
Get HPV vaccine

Question 4

what is a high cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

High cholesterol: High cholesterol usually refers to the amount of cholesterol found in a persons blood, and can be measured by laboratory tests.  When cholesterol measurement is above the normal range for that individual then it is generally called high cholesterol.  Interpretation of the meaning of high levels  in the blood requires a physician consultation and other testing to determine any health risk.

Question 5

how to decrease high cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Diet, exercise, meds: Avoid greasy, fatty, buttery, fried foods. No mayo. Exercise regularly & find a reason to sweat daily. Limit salt and sugar in the diet. Control blood sugars, blood pressures, and weight. If all of these lifestyle changes do not take your lipid numbers to goal; then consider starting statin medications. Also, ask your doctor about the new LDL particle number testing (NMR) and not just cholesterol.

Question 6

can high cholesterol be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Lowering cholesterol: High levels of total and LDL cholesterol can be lowered with lifestyle change such as exercise and diet as well as with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Question 7

how to control high cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Depends: More information is needed about total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides. There are drugs that can reduce cholesterol levels. You can also try life style modifications. It would be prudent to see a doctor for treatment specific for you. For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco or alcohol in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 8

can high cholesterol be inherited?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Although what you eat affects your cholesterol, the tendency to a high cholesterol is inherited. Certain types result in extremely high cholesterol levels.

Question 9

suffering from high cholesterol...

Accepted Answer

Depends: If not known, would find out exactly which portion of your cholesterol is elevated and to what degree. Some can be treated with dietary modifications and exercise. Others may require medication such as statin, fibrate, niacin, fish oil, or others.   
 If this is the first time your cholesterol was elevated, would consider a repeat lab with full 10-12 hr fast and low fat meal the evening before.

Question 10

why is having high cholesterol dangerous?

Accepted Answer

High cholesterol: Having high cholesterol results in the formation of plaque on the artery walls. It is natural to have damage to the arteries of the body and there is a usual repair process to correct the damage. With a high concentration of cholesterol, the repair process goes awry. Plaque forms, making the arteries stiff and vulnerable to a cakey buildup = blockage = heart attack, stroke or blocked leg vessel.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Fruits and vegetables high in cholesterol

A member asked:

I used to have high cholesterol in my 20's and early 30's. now its really good. i don't take cholesterol meds. how does this happen?

A member asked:

I have gilberts disease. can i safely take a statin for high cholesterol ?

A member asked:

What are the chances of having high cholesterol at 24. dont smoke, dont drink, also dont have a spleen (if thats relevant). ?

A member asked:

What is a high cholesterol?

A member asked:

How to decrease high cholesterol?

A member asked:

Can high cholesterol be reversed?

A member asked:

How to control high cholesterol?

A member asked:

Can high cholesterol be inherited?

A member asked:

Suffering from high cholesterol...

A member asked:

Why is having high cholesterol dangerous?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?