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My doctor just informed me that my cholesterol is a little ...

Sent to Health Experts January 30, 2006 2:01 p.m.

My doctor just informed me that my cholesterol is a little too high...and that I carry the gene that can cause high cholesterol . I already eat right, I exercise regularly.....I do not smoke....and I quit drinking a while back. Since I DO all this and its still high, he put me on a low dosage of lipitor. Is this the best thing to do?? I really do not understand, and would like more info about this gene he is talking about.And should I tell my family members that they might be at risk also? Thanks.

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Female , Age: 47

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Answer
January 30, 2006 2:15 p.m. (14 minutes and 14 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

What your doctor should be referring to is what's called "Familial hypercholesterolaemia" an inherited condition characterized by higher than normal levels of LDL blood cholesterol.

Here is an excellent sites where you can read more about this along with how it breaks it down into genetics, self treatment, support group's etc..

read here

I know it can be a controversy when it comes to taking medication, even that of Lipitor, which can have some side effects, one option (which has shown to really work) is taking fish oil. If the cholesterol levels are really high, a fish oil can be taken in the AM and PM as well. So if you are eating right and take this, it should help you vs taking Lipitor, but that is up to you. If it helps you, you would see a change in 3 months.

Hope this helps, If you need anything else please feel free to ask. If you found this helpful don’t forget to click the *accept* button!

Lindie -- Healthcare Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 4849 Health Accepts
17+ years, Healthcare Expert

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Sent January 30, 2006 2:28 p.m. (12 minutes and 56 seconds later)

Thanks, but should I inform other family members that they also may be at risK? As far as I know none of them have really been tested other than routine office visits for various common ailments.I am the oldest of 7 children....all but two of us also smoke.

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