I was diagnosed with high cholesterol (7.1) at the age of 40, and although my doctor recommended statins, I opted to lower my cholesterol through diet and exercise. Initially, I was able to bring my cholesterol down to around 5, but my lack of education about the dangers of high cholesterol resulted in me not taking it as seriously as I should have.
Five years later, I started experiencing crushing angina symptoms and eventually started taking statins. However, the damage had already been done, and I had to undergo a triple heart bypass. After my surgery, I was referred to a cholesterol specialist who regularly monitored me, and since taking statins, my cholesterol levels have been between 2 and 3, ensuring my heart is functioning as it should be.
In retrospect, I wish I had taken a statin at 40 as it may have prevented the need for a triple heart bypass at the age of 46. I have also undergone a genetic test for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which fortunately did not show that I inherited it. However, I scored 6/10 for polygenic hypercholesterolemia, which is caused by many genes within the body’s DNA. Although not as severe as FH, it does explain my high cholesterol levels. I am grateful for each day and the research into the causes of heart disease.