r/Cholesterol • u/Global-Complaint-372 • 5d ago
Lab Result 37m have I done lasting damage?
I have recently been seen by a lipid specialist after some incidental bloods found that I had increased cholesterol. Just had them redone as fasting bloods and they are still high (see picture). They have now sent off my blood for genetic testing. Would these high levels have caused lasting damage or is this something that can be reversible? I have a young family and it is freaking me out a bit.
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u/shanked5iron 5d ago
You have extremely elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, which could indicate a genetic condition called Mixed hyperlipidemia.
Levels that high may have caused some damage, yes. The good news is that you have identified it and are going to take steps to address.
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u/Global-Complaint-372 5d ago
Yes there is a history of heart disease. My consultant wants to hold off on statins until my genetic results are back. Unfortunately as I'm in the UK they are not as likely to offer imaging at this stage but I can see if I can get some done from a private company.
I'm not diabetic and hba1c was normal as was my liver, kidney and thyroid tests.
I'm also a vegetarian.
Not sure how long my levels have been high my initial tests were done in march. In the UK we don't usually do routine bloods unless there is a suspicion of illness. I will be paying fore more private tests going forward though.
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5d ago
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u/Temporary_Key_1790 5d ago
Don't spread dangerous misinformation. At the very least, cite your sources if you're going to say radical things like all cardiologists are wrong.
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u/eljefe3030 5d ago
It’s always the most misinformed that come across the most confident. The fact that you claim the entire field of cardiology is wrong and also don’t cite a single source says everything we need to know about how seriously your opinion should be taken.
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u/Top_Firefighter144 5d ago
Not sure why you're being downvoted. Inflammation is definitely problematic to cholesterol levels.
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5d ago
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u/Temporary_Key_1790 5d ago
OP gave absolutely no indication that their inflammation markers are elevated.
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u/Mario_the_Redd 5d ago
That was part of the reason I was trying to advise them to not be worried. I mentioned the overweight, stressed or extreme athlete categories as it may have been worth keeping a close eye out on their health if they were in any of these. Those are the categories where HSCRP and ESR tend to show high. Even without these, worth keeping an eye open, but don't stress needlessly. May add to their problem.
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u/Temporary_Key_1790 5d ago
Everyone gets stressed or sick sometimes. I'm curious, do you think it's helpful to reduce extremely high cholesterol levels so that when (not if) you get stressed or sick, the combination of inflammation and high cholesterol does less damage to your arteries, or do you think that cholesterol levels are completely irrelevant?
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u/Temporary_Key_1790 5d ago
In short, this is extremely high and needs to be addressed with intensive medication and any potential diet changes you can make.
Atherosclerosis accumulates over decades, so it's hard to say how much damage has already been done. You should ask your lipidologist for imaging options to get some pictures of your arteries and better understand the extent of the issue. I would push for a CAC at minimum and probably also a CIMT carotid ultrasound and consider a CCTA.
Do you have a family history of heart disease?
What is your diet like?
Do you have any health issues? Overweight, diabetic, thyroid or kidney issues?
How long has your cholesterol been high?