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That is definitly not good! :( Changing your diet and exercising more will help, and that will make you feel much better overall too. But also, some people are simply predisposed to high cholesteral, no matter what their diet and exercise regiment. I would assuem your one such person since you cholesterol level is so high. If I were you, I would go on lipitor.
I am sorry to hear this. As a person with health issues and yes that same I am only this and I already have this. I will say a prayer for you and with a lot of love and support I am sure you will do fine. Sounds like your FI is very suportive. That is the best thing for you:) Lots of love:)
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I'm so sorry to hear that I'm sure it was a total shock. ::Hugs:: I have to get annual health screening for work and several years ago when I was eating a lot of frozen diet meals my cholesterol shot up over 200. I had no idea why or what it could be. I started looking carefully at what I was eating and I realized a lot of those meals are off the charts cholesterol wise. I stopped eating them and was back to normal next health screening. Obviously, you have a genetic predisposition here but I just thought it might be one easy way, in concert with other strategies, to try to get it down. Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes.
I'm so sorry to hear that you're stressed about this. I'm sure it was shocking to get this information, especially when you assumed that you were being pretty healthy. My mom had a massive heart attack last year (she's fine, Thank God) and it came really out of the blue. She had no idea how high her blood pressure and chloesterol were, if she had known, it might not have gotten so bad. I had another health gut-check when my fiance was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes only 2 months after my mom's heart attack. Since then he's lost almost 40 pounds and gotten all of his levels back to normal. You really can make a huge difference if you're proactive!
I applaud you for getting everything checked out now, because you can make such an impact on your health at a younger age. From what I understand, many people simply have a high chlolesterol because of genetics. Did your doctor recommend medication? I know my fiance went on either Zocor or Lipitor (I can't remember) and between that and his exercize/weight loss, his chlolesterol has dropped like crazy (from 234 to 95)!
I'm so glad that you've got your fiance helping you out on your health kick. I know that's what made a huge difference for us. We've been helping each other stick to our healthy lifestyle and it's so much easier doing it together.
Just take it one day at a time and you'll do great. :)
I was also diagnosed with high cholesterol at 22! Mine is genetics + eating crap. I'm on meds that have it in the healthy range (changing my diet didn't help), and I am eating healthier and exercising. I always figured it would be a problem since everyone on my Mom's side has high cholesterol.
It is definitely something to be concerned about but stressing about it won't help,and it may be something that you need medication to control. :)
BIG HUGS!!!!
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((hugs!!)) you're on the right track now! I'm so glad ot hear that you FI is being so super great :D Keep us updated -- we'll be here for support as you embark on your new, healthy life style!!
Oh no!!! I'm so sorry to hear this! THis is definitely not good news. High cholesterol runs in my family, and if I'm not SUPER careful about what i eat, my numbers go up and up and up and my doctor crabs at me.
Look at it as an excuse to start a new lifestyle. It's easier at 22 than it is at 40. Your body will adjust much easier, and you'll just have to think about your health. All the other side benefits (more energy, weight loss, overall feeling good) is just a big bonus!
I do low glycemic foods and it's really quite easy! I like luna bars...they hold me over waaaay longer than regular granola bars without an excessive amount of fat and calories. But low glycemic holds you over longer, so it's a nice little perk.
Good luck! See if your insurance will cover a nutritionist to help you learn about how to tailor your diet specifically to high cholesterol stuff. My parents are always "oh we're on a diet" (they both have really high cholesterol) and then they have lobster for dinner because it's "low calorie" uhhh, right? Arm yourself with information and you'll be fine!
New information shows that the majority of your cholesterol level is determined by genetics (yell at mom and pop! 
). For triglycerides try to cut up saturated fats and alcohol. Also, don't be scared of the medications (there are some side effects but usually not bad) it will be better in the long run if you get your numbers under control now. Don't freak out yet! Good luck!
Just wanted to also comment that if your blood work was not fasting (ie you had eaten less than 8 hours prior to getting blood drawn) the triglyceride count may be falsely elevated.
While the news wasn't good, good for you for staying on top of you health! I applaud you for that.
Unfortunately, some people are just genetically predisposed to certain ailments, and elevated cholesterol is one of those things! You are taking the right steps by changing your diet and adding exercise.
Try not to stress out too much about it! You are doing all of the right things 
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What a bummer! But good for you for trying to get on the right track!
If you're getting into the GI, I highly recommend the Rick Gallop books - there are some fabulous recipes and the charts are very easy to follow! Learn to love those veggies {and garlic!}.
Good luck with getting your numbers turned around!
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I'm sorry to hear this. Someone said it, and they are absolutely right, a lot of this is probably genetics. Work with your doctor until you are absolutely positively sure that you understand all of the steps that you need to take to get and stay on the right track. 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week (and preferrably all 7) is the best thing you can do. Then make sure you understand the difference between HDL, LDL, and triglycerides and what foods contain them.
Now, a silly question... Were you truly fasting for these tests? Did you have McDonalds or something the night before? If you ate breakfast or had a really crummy dinner the night before, the tests may not be accurate and may need to be repeated.
Doctorgirl is right..fasting 2 days before (no fatty food, veggies, lots of water, ) is best and truly reflects your physical status.
Genes do cause alot..I say it's nature vs. nurture we have to keep in check.
Hi, sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. My father just was diagnosed similarly around Thanksgiving this year and has been following a strict diabetic diet with huge success. His weight dropped 60lbs, his cholesterol dropped, and now his blood sugar has been "normal" for three months and counting. Have you been in contact with a diatician? They can set you up on a diet that will tackle these issues.
I actually did fast, and had relatively healthy food the night before- beef stew. I need to lose weight regardless- my BMI is a bit high- but I'm planning on getting my tests redone in three months. Hopefully by then I'll be much healthier and happier.
Thanks so much for everyone's concern! I'm actually kind of excited to have serious motivation to stop eating so much junk and get in more exercise! It's been hard to motivate myself to lose weight and be healthy while living with my parents and 9 year old sister at home...we REALLY don't eat very well because my mom despises all vegetables and never cooks them for us to eat. That doesn't excuse me by any means, but it does make it more difficult after coming home from work and school and then thinking "Okay now I get to cook...just for myself...while my family eats three helpings of the starches I was raised on."
It'll be much, much easier come June when I move to Orlando to live with my FI and his family, who are much healthier than I am. Plus I'll have built-in food police with my FI.
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{{{HIVE HUGS!!}}}
If you've never watched "The Biggest Loser" I would suggest you become a fan. That show has some seriously unhealthy people on it, and in the end, they are off all of their medication and have lost weight too! It's my inspiration to keep my healthy diet going because I'm in it for the "healthy" not just the weight!!
I wanted to chime in, not as an MD, but as someone raised by a cardiologist (constantly lectured on heart health) and who worked in a cardiologist's office for many, many summers. Did your doctor refer you to a specialist? Unless your diet is extraordinarily unhealthy and you basically never exercise, it's hard for me to understand how your cholesterol can be that high without an extreme genetic disposition. There are a lot of factors here, and a lot to consider before choosing long term medication, but I really feel that a diagnosis like that might warrant a second opinion (on treatment) and at least a discussion about cholesterol lowering drugs (though I'm pretty sure my dad would first want you to implement lifestyle changes and see how far that takes you). Just a thought...I don't know what your insurance is like, but I really think a second opinion from a speicalist is warranted here. I guess I'm just concerned b/c >400 is really high. Also, did your doc give you your cholesterol ratio...that may be way more important than the level itself.
There's a lot of information on good heart health and diets. Check out:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000
Definitely changes such as switching to olive oil, adding omega-3s (a lot of stuff is now fortified with them), switching to lean meats, and boosing vegetable fiber will likely make a big difference quickly.
I hope you can enlist your family in making healthier meal choices, b/c being alienated at the dinner table will making changing your diet really hard. There are many simple and tasty vegetable recipes out there. A steamer, or a half tbsp of EVOO and a skillet are your friends...and so is the spice cabinet!
Good luck and take care of yourself!
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I wanted to chime in, not as an MD, but as someone raised by a cardiologist (constantly lectured on heart health) and who worked in a cardiologist's office for many, many summers. Did your doctor refer you to a specialist? Unless your diet is extraordinarily unhealthy and you basically never exercise, it's hard for me to understand how your cholesterol can be that high without an extreme genetic disposition. There are a lot of factors here, and a lot to consider before choosing long term medication, but I really feel that a diagnosis like that might warrant a second opinion (on treatment) and at least a discussion about cholesterol lowering drugs (though I'm pretty sure my dad would first want you to implement lifestyle changes and see how far that takes you). Just a thought...I don't know what your insurance is like, but I really think a second opinion from a speicalist is warranted here. I guess I'm just concerned b/c >400 is really high. Also, did your doc give you your cholesterol ratio...that may be way more important than the level itself.
There's a lot of information on good heart health and diets. Check out the American Heart Association website.
Definitely changes such as switching to olive oil, adding omega-3s (a lot of stuff is now fortified with them), switching to lean meats, and boosing vegetable fiber will likely make a big difference quickly.
I hope you can enlist your family in making healthier meal choices, b/c being alienated at the dinner table will making changing your diet really hard. There are many simple and tasty vegetable recipes out there. A steamer, or a half tbsp of EVOO and a skillet are your friends...and so is the spice cabinet!
Good luck and take care of yourself!
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I was diagnosed with high cholestrol just before my 20th birthday(almost 6 years ago). At the time I was diagnosed, I was eating the recommended diet. So needless to say I was put on medication for it. I was surprised to be diagnosed at such an early age too, but alot of my family members have high cholestrol. At least you've caught it early. I would try diet and exercise for awhile, but if your numbers don't come down alot I would really consider going on medication to deal with it.
Good luck and know there are other people dealing with the same thing you are.
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Wow. <hugs> I am a registered dietitian, and lots of things previously mentioned are right on target.
If you know what the rest of your cholesterol panel looks like besides triglycerides, a dietitian can help customize a meal plan to improve your overall panel. Like if your HDL is low you should eat more peanut butter and olive oil and increase your exercise level, but if your LDL is high eating more vegetable oil would be preferred. Limiting acohol and carbs will improve your triglycerides, BTW. But as others mentioned, you may be genetically predispositioned for this.
And a word about the glycemic index: this is measured by the blood sugar response of 100 grams of one food eaten by itself. Almost no foods are actually eaten alone: like crackers without cheese or hummus or pasta without sauce. Foods are meant to be eaten in combination and their blood sugar response changes dramatically when they are. Glycemic load is another term that takes this into account.
Bottom line: I would invest in some good quality fish oil gelcaps, learn to love peanut butter and seek out a dietitian. Hope this helps!
I just wanted to suggest that you also have your thyroid checked. I have Hypothyroidism and it has greatly effected my cholesterol levels. Take care!
@mrsbiscuit- They checked my thyroid and it's fine. That's what I thought it was too, but nope...my cholesterol is affected by my pre-diabetes, and the pre-diabetes is aggravated by the cholesterol. Who knows which came first?
@sunnyb77- I have low HDL and high LDL...so which one should I conquer first? I don't want to eat too much peanut butter because it has *so* many calories in it. I do eat a tablespoon or two every day with crackers though. I've switched to an almost entirely whole foods diet, and cutting out those processed foods has *really* made the difference. I'm down 7 pounds! Yay!
((((((hugs))))))
At least you know, and because of this information you have a greater chance of having a really healthy life, getting the cholesterol under control and possibly finding a tastier way to live.
Once you give up the processed foods your taste buds will revive themselves and you will enjoy all sorts of great whole foods.
There are little things, like yams instead of potatoes, and yams are way tastier and have more nutrients and are lower on the Gylcemic index.
I was a vegetarian with higer cholesterol, it was around 200. But that was too high for me. People kept saying it could be genetics. But the doctor can tell you by taking a CBC. My LDL cholesterol was hig, this is the bad stuff. And my HDL was low. I hate too many dairy products, mostly yogurt, but also white rice and since I was in high school I am going to assume i didn't eat a whole lot more. probably a lot of candy and chocolate. It was a wake up call, I was skinny and yet my heart was taking a beating.
I didn't change the diet much for the next couple of years. Just less sugar and more coffee. No real change in the cholesterol. But then I turned 21 and started to eat a bit differently, that is I started eating lean meats and more veggetable based protein and roasting veggies in olive oil...oh, and drinking beer or wine, not a lot, but maybe 2 to 4 drinks a month. Low and behold, a year later, I was batting 160 and it was no longer the bad profile.
My HDL shot up to 130 and my LDL down to 30.
The doctor was very surprised and excited. I don't believe it is all genetics. But I do believe something can be done.
You might consider an appointment with a nutritionist. Get an eating program that works for you and your FH...it is way easier to do it if everyone is on the same program.
What a great way to start your marriage with some lifestyle changes already sorted out.
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hello!!! first off "HUGS" to you!
secondly - cutting out ALL processed foods is absolutely the first step to do this! I'm not sure how welcoming this suggestion will be - but in all honesty, you should try atkins. (I'm not joking, after doing my research on it, it truly is one of the healthiest diets out there). It's NOT all "meat cheese and eggs" either - once you're really into it - it's all whole foods, INCLUDING tons of vegees, nuts, fruits, beans and eventually yes, even bread (and there's a few fabulous "bread" recipes you can make in the meantime).
My doc diagnosed me with Insulin Resistance (pre-diabetes) and borderline-high cholesterol in October 2007. This was after I realized that no matter HOW hard I tried, weight watchers (low-fat/high-carb) plus exercising - I literally couldn't lose an OUNCE!
She told me to go on atkins and for a year I didn't believe her, but after being on the medication she put me on (metformin for the IR) - I kept getting so sick (literally, every time I'd eat carbs) and so I finally listened to her this year and on January 3rd I started atkins. I have lost 20 pounds - TOTALLY gotten rid of my sugar addiction (it is hard, but that's what you have to do is give up all sugar as SUGAR is what causes high cholesterol - NOT fat)...
And I went back to the doc after I'd only lost 12 pounds and after 12 pounds / 2.5 months of atkins my cholesterol went down from 220 to 192!!! Not only that, but ALL my other levels (triglycerides, LDL, HDL, etc...) improved drastically as well!
You should seriously check out the ADDB board (http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com) as they are absolutely WONDERFUL over there.
You should also check out the website, www.livinlavidalowcarb.com from a guy named Jimmy Moore who lost a TON of weight on atkins and kept it off - his podcasts keep me going on this way of eating!
Gooooood luck and I hope you meet all of your goals!
The post by jUne Bride are really helpful - got me motivated. Thanks!!! Best of Luck Ms AnnaLytical.
Wow. I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Wishing you luck in the healthy lifestyle changes.
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...with ridiculously high cholesterol (normal triglycerides are well below 150- I'm at 427!) and pre-diabetes. I'm in total shock. I'm 22! High cholesterol at 22?! Am I secretly a 50 year old man? This is a total shock to me. I eat junk, of course, but try to balance it with good food like whole grains and fruits and the occasional veggie (I really don't like veggies)- I walk and do low-impact exercise...but apparently it's not good enough.
I told my FI and he had a total heart attack. He's terrified that I'm going to have serious health issues later in life if I don't do something about it NOW. So, I am. We are. He's being so sweet and supportive- he told me that he'll give up all the same things I'm giving up.
So basically I am going to try and stick to whole foods and completely cut out processed junk. I'm interested in the glycemic index- my doctor recommended it to me. The doctor also told me that if I don't make serious lifestyle changes, I'll have type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
I guess I just need some hive hugs. This was completely unexpected.