[QUOTE=beerzoids;3347217]Since your post mentioned the cholesterol board, I wanted to post some more positive feedback about the effect of a healthy diet on cholesterol and glucose levels.

I could not take cholesterol medications because they caused me to have increased chest pains, heart rhythm problems and breathing problems.

During 2003, prior to dieting my total cholesterol readings were 249, 317 and 279 and my blood glucose was around 178.

In 2004, after four months of including more fiber in my diet, my total cholesterol was 240.

Near the end of 2004, I started on a diet, of small, frequent meals, targeting insulin resistance.

During 2005, my total cholesterol was 198, then 186.

During 2006, my total cholesterol was 178.

During 2007, my total cholesterol read 161, followed by another 161, and my blood glucose is now constantly at healthy levels.

So....... in my case, during 2-3 years of a proper, healthy diet I experienced a gradual lowering of cholesterol from unhealthy levels, higher than 250, to a much healthier 161. During that time, as I previously posted here, my blood pressure and my health also improved dramatically.

I don't know if those younger would have faster results than I had.

Thank you for that very useful information. When my BP reading was 220 / 130 on Oct. 25th, my weight was 271lbs (I'm 6.02", 55). The Dr. started me on Lotrel 5 / 20 and upped it to 10 /40 2 weeks later. Around the same time, my blood lipids showed;

TC: 270
Tri-G: 262
HDL: 37
LDL: 181
Glucose: 107

After those results, the Dr. added 40mg Pravachol.

I just had another series of blood tests on 12/10 and will discuss the results on 12/14 with the Dr. Since 10/25, I've lost approx 25lbs, through a diet limited to about 16-1800 calories per day and 6 days per week of exercise. My BP has dropped and readings are averaging much closer to normal. I

I'll post the chemical results when I receive them. One thing I have noticed though is that my hands are always cold and that is the opposite of my previous experience. In fact, I'm feeling a slight chill all the time!

If my lipid #'s drop, I'll ask the doc about possibly scaling back the meds and share the comments here.

Thanks again for the input!

[QUOTE=dmer;3347370]When my BP reading was 220 / 130 on Oct. 25th, my weight was 271lbs (I'm 6.02", 55). The Dr. started me on Lotrel 5 / 20 and upped it to 10 /40 2 weeks later. Around the same time, my blood lipids showed;

TC: 270
Tri-G: 262
HDL: 37
LDL: 181
Glucose: 107

After those results, the Dr. added 40mg Pravachol.

220/130 must have scared the hell out of you!

I've never been that high, but years ago, when mine would frequently hit around 185/120, it was nervewracking. At that level, I would feel flushed, weak, rapid and weak heartbeat, and generally not too good.

What were your symptoms?

[QUOTE]I just had another series of blood tests on 12/10 and will discuss the results on 12/14 with the Dr. Since 10/25, I've lost approx 25lbs, through a diet limited to about 16-1800 calories per day and 6 days per week of exercise. My BP has dropped and readings are averaging much closer to normal.

Congratulations!

I think that many people just don't believe, or just don't want to believe that diet and exercise, alone, can have a significant impact on blood pressure. Hopefully, results such as yours and mine, will encourage others to do the right thing.

[QUOTE]I'll post the chemical results when I receive them. One thing I have noticed though is that my hands are always cold and that is the opposite of my previous experience. In fact, I'm feeling a slight chill all the time!

Interesting. :)

I live down in South Florida, and used to suffer, from the heat, when it would be in the 90's. Now, though, at 50 pounds lighter, I am quite comfortable in 90 degree weather. I didn't expect that to happen. OTOH, like you, I also feel the chill more when it is cool or colder out. LOVE IT!!!! :D

[QUOTE]If my lipid #'s drop, I'll ask the doc about possibly scaling back the meds and share the comments here.

Thanks again for the input!

Well...... how'd it go?

[QUOTE]=beerzoids;3356139


Well...... how'd it go?

Beerzoids,

The initial BP readings did put the wind up me!

My lipid readings on 10/29 were;

Triglycerides: 262
Total Cholesterol: 270
HDL: 37
LDL: 181
Glucose: 107

Readings on 12/10;

Tiglycerides: 117
Total Cholesterol: 164
HDL: 39
LDL: 102
Glucose: 93

As mentioned, I dropped about 20lbs between vists and have maintained an exercise routine for 6 days per week which includes a 3 mile jog and 1.6 mile brisk walk. Diet is between 1600-1800 calories per day with an almost complete elimination of refined carbohydrates. I eat red meat about twice per week and try to get a good mix of fruit and vegetables. It's hardly a deprivation diet but I get pangs for cookies, pie and candy!

My current meds are Lotrel 10 /40 and 40 mg Pravachol.

My BP reading about 1/2 an hour ago was 102 / 60, albeit after exercise. The doc was going to reduce my medication but he got a BP reading in his office of 130 / 80 and asked me tot track it to see if the decline was steady and he could adjust the meds.

190 LBS Would be a good weight for my height with some sources suggesting 180 would be optimal. On that basis, I still need to lose 50 -60 lbs, a considerable amount of weight. However, recognizing how much better I feel with the present diet and weight loss, I'm encouraged to persevere through the present temptations.

Nature deals some people a very bad hand in terms of their health and I'm sure there are some genetic factors in my background as well. However, I came by my HBP and high cholesterol quite "honestly". My life style was a recipe for bad health.

I'm glad to have read your accounts and am happy to share this!