Question Title: lipids

I had a cholesterol screening done which showed my total cholesterol to be 229 and my HDL 35. My pcp ordered a lipid panel after 3 months of major dietary changes (drastic reduction in saturated fat, increased fruits,veggies,fiber etc) and an exercise program. The lipid panel showed my total cholesterol was 216, HDL was 26, and LDL was 200. Was 3 months not long enough to see any improvement in these levels? My pcp then ordered an FSH which was at a non-menopausal level.(I'm 48) I chose not to take lipid lowering drugs and retest at 6 months. Can I expect to see much of an improvement in my lipid levels after 6 months without drugs? I am also being treated with 25mg atenolol daily for episodes of high blood pressure. I have normal and moderately high readings. (159/108, 120/84, 170/105 in a 2 week period) Would this be considered another risk factor? Should I be more aggressive with the cholesterol control? Thank you.

---

Dear Chris,
It is very unlikely that a diet will make a difference in your case, i.e. in terms
of how much your cholesterol needs to be reduced in order to decrease your risk of coronary artery disease (which is the process leading to heart attacks and heart failure.)

Understand that the cholesterol lowering drugs in the "statin" class have been
proven to have benefits above and beyond simply lowering the cholesterol.

You have multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease, and some of the most important ones:
high blood pressure, high LDL and low HDL are very serious risks to your heart health.

So at your 6month cholesterol check, do not be disappointed with the results as honestly
the dieting is helping in other areas and thus you should not discontinue that, just be willing to
go on a statin drug and inquire about a daily exercise program which is also very
important for the heart and blood pressure.

I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for
general purposes only. Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies.
Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!

---