I have both high LDL ( 198 ) & high HDL ( 80), which is present on my Mom's family. My dr is insistent I take medication to reduce my LDL, I am a healthy eater, very little sugar, red meat or carbohydrates. I have been limited to excercise because of back issues. If I go on medication will both my LDL & HDL go down? Is there something I can do naturally reduce my LDL?
Q: Genetically High LDL (also high HDL) - is medication the only avenue to reduce?
Answers (2)
10/ 6/08 7:23pm
Hi Karen,
Don't you love genetics? I'm right there with you - strong family history of heart disease/high cholesterol.
It's great your HDL is so high, that's a definite plus. Here are three suggestions to lower LDL:
1. Evaluate your saturated and trans fat intake.
You state you eat a healthy diet, which is great. But double check the foods you are choosing to make sure your saturated fat and trans fat intake is low. You can do this by reading food labels and making healthy choices when dining out. Here's another post where you can learn more about saturated fat and trans fats.
2. Select a high soluble fiber diet.
Research has shown that for every 1-2 grams of daily soluble fiber intake, LDL (bad) cholesterol is lowered 1%.
3. Consider adding omega 3 fatty acids to your diet.
Here are three articles where you can learn how omega 3's are linked to lower cholesterol: Get a Grip on Fatty Acids, Top 5 Omega 3 Sources to Lower Cholesterol, Omega 3's - How much to lower cholesterol?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
11/17/08 8:40am
I have the same problem; HDL 108 and LDL 160-199; no history of heart disease in my family but all of my siblings have same condition; (I am age 51 and a ICU nurse) and I can't seem to find information in the medical community either as to what may be harmful. HDL 100 is the limit for HDL measurment so I've been told that you can't get any more negative risk than that. I was told that if I went on statins (cholesterol lowering meds) that it would likely lower the HDL too and thus PUT me at risk for heart disease so this is uncharted territory... sooo what to do? I'm trying omega-3 suppliments; I'm taking 1200mg (2 capsules) daily for one year and then going to recheck my cholesterol levels and see if it does any good at lowering the LDL; it shouldn't affect the HDL; What you'll want to do is have your total cholesterol fractionated which is a more comprehensive test of the individual sub catagories of HDL and more importantly the VVLDL subcatagories of LDL molecules; I had one done by my doctor 3 years ago; Its a pricey test but is worth it; I'll have this one done again after my omega-3 fatty acids trial. You can find it in the pharmacy section of your grocers ( don't bother the GNC outlets as their suppliments are no better than the
grocers and more pricey) you can get a jumbo bottle at Costco if you have one nearby, at a reasonable price. good luck Helen
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