Your opinions about Cholesterol (blood tests)

[borninquisitive]

As for me, personally, this isn't an issue that I am worried about for myself.
Having said that, last year, my ldl cholesterol read 122.4 (high)
and this year, 88.6.

My mother and my brother read very high in this area and both are on medication on account of it. My question is this, do you think after 1 test, it's something (medication) that they should resort to?
If mine could significantly drop, why not there own?
Anyone experience the same, high and then low?

[GravesLady]

Only from what I have read. Why are you suspecting?

There are four types of thyroid cancer some of which are much more common than others. Papillary and/or mixed papillary/follicular,  Follicular and/or Hurthle cell, Medullary and Anaplastic.

Some symptoms are hoarseness, neck pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. Some will have thyroid nodules which the vast majority are benign. A nodule which is cold on scan is more likely to be malignant, nevertheless the majority of these are benign as well.

There has been studies done I believe, that establishes risk factor for thyroid cancer is higher in over weight women. One study found that women who weigh more than 132 pounds have 2.5 times the rate of thyroid cancer compared to those weighing less than 114 pounds. On the dietary front, risk factors include diets deficient in selenium, and those either deficient in or providing too much iodine. Many studies have found a protective association for vegetables and fruits.

Hope I answered your question.

GL

[borninquisitive]

Thank you both, this has been very helpful and will pass on the information to both my mom & brother.

Much appreciated,
~Kate

[good2bme]

Do you know anything about thyroid cancer?  What are the signs to look for ect?

[GravesLady]

Well the doctor only knows.  I assumed he did more than just one test before decision on meds. Unless their test were awfully high. What is eaten within or up to 48 hours can reflect in the test. However, If they can't control their cholesterol by life style changes and foods, then meds are the only route which is probably saving their lives if not giving them a longer life span. Some people can control their cholesterol while others just can't.  Just about my whole family were on meds for cholesterol control (in the genes) but so far I am not - I am the only lacto-ovo vegetarian.  My sister is on meds for cholesterol but is trying to control Triglycerides by diet and abstaining from sweets and weight control. She is not quit there yet but she is doing pretty good.  She was on med. for Triglycerides but they made her sick so her only choice is trying to control it herself through life style changes (foods, etc., as the below).

Soluble Fiber and absent of sweets lowers Triglycerides
Garlic lowers LDL and Triglycerides
Dark bitter Chocolate with cocoa lists first in ingredients, Mono fats such as olive oil and Red Wine (1 or two drinks only - but raises HDL) lowers LDL.
Alcohol raises HDL and Triglycerides.
Poly Fats veg. oil lowers LDL and HDL.
Exercise lowers LDL and HDL.

I hope this helps.

GL
Septemeber is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

[star queen]

The test for serum cholesterol tests the cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, not in the cells.  The "recommended" values is under 200. When the levels are low, under 50, it is considered to be just as bad as too much.  Cholesterol is used by the body in all body cells, including brain tissue, to replace, or repair cell walls.  If you don't have enough, you can't repair or replace cells rapidly and that isn't good.  When the blood vessels need repair from some trauma or tear, cholesterol and clotting mechanisms in the body go to the site and create a "bandaid" inside the vessel as the clotting mechanism stops the blood and the repair outside the cell is done.  The cholesterol "bandaid" inside the cell remains. When Homocysteine finds the cholesterol in the vessel, it sticks to it creating a sticky layer that attracts other components in the blood, specifically calcium, and a buildup occurs that results in a blockage of the vessel. It is believed that the more cholesterol floating around in the blood, the more buildup may occur. This creates your "risk" for hardening of the arteries caused by the buildup of cholesterol on the vessel walls.  The theory is that if your cholesterol is reduced to a number that will allow the body enough for the cells, but not enough to buildup on the cell walls, your risk is lowered.  Dietary manipulation of cholestrol intake may be good enough to reduce cholesterol, but in alot of cases, the body will know that the intake is low and produce cholesterol on it's own.  This is the reason for medication that blocks the production of body-made cholesterol.  The true values of cholesterol testing is in several parts, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, and an average of the parts.  If the average is within normal limits, even if one or more parts are high, you are still considered to be okay.  If the average is high, then the doc will probably put you on some medication.  I have seen tests where people with low numbers have heart attacks and strokes, and I have seen people with number will over 400 who are just fine with tests showing vessels very clean.  The total risk to your health must include hereity, overall health, diet, and exercise.  If you are worried about the vessels, have the doc order ultrasound tests of the vessels in the neck (not just the carotids), check out hte Thyroid while you are there, the vessels inside and outside of the heart, and the major vessels of the legs at the pelvis to check for blockages, narrowing due to blockages, and overall blood flow.  These are the ones you worry about. Hope this helps