What to Do When the Numbers are Too HIGH!

How many times have you gone to the doctor for a routine exam only to find out after numerous blood work collected you get that call saying. “Your (fill in the blank here) number is trending higher than last year and we need to run some more tests?” No one ever wants to hear more tests, and most certainly do not want to hear “too high” in the same sentence.

This is where I get numerous texts and phone calls from friends and loved ones telling me all about situations that they thought were under control.

But for today, in this post, we will just focus on one subject, CHOLESTEROL.

For years I never knew the significance of cholesterol levels much less what to look for until I was starting the nursing program. This was so because culturally no one in my family booked annual exams. The only time I witnessed doctor visits were for motor vehicle accidents, childbirth or pain that could not be treated with aspirin, ginger ale, tea and crackers. Which is why I’m taking the time to encourage you to check all your numbers in this series.

The truth of the matter is that cholesterol can be both good and bad and that is where it gets tricky. Let me explain in more detail.

There are 3 numbers that make up your cholesterol levels but there is only one that counts and will send you to the doctor faster than a woman in labor.

High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is when the blood has high amounts of cholesterol present. The higher the content the more likely to have high blood pressure leading to a stroke.

There is good cholesterol ( HDL), bad cholesterol ( LDL) and triglycerides. These are all measured in bloodwork called a lipid panel.

Desired levels are listed below according to CDC guidelines:

Exams are usually completed in the morning as patients will need to not have eaten for at least 12 hours before testing.

High cholesterol is typically an asymptomatic issue and most patients do not know they have until blood work is collected. Lipid panels are recommended every 4-6 years for adults over 20 years old. 

If your numbers are trending in the wrong direction, expect to have blood collected minimal every 6 months after treatment is initiated.

High cholesterol is directly related to diet and exercise so please limit your intake of fast foods, fried food and processed foods. 

For more information on nutritional options for high cholesterol continue to follow me on IG@pamelafergusony, www.pamelayferguson.com and Pamela Ferguson on FB.