Question: I am a 61 yr old female. My total cholesterol is 410. High cholesterol runs in my family on mothers side. My LDL is 198. I have had very high numbers since I was in my early thirties. I walk for an hour every day mainly because I had 360 back surgery 5 yrs ago. Until that time I was a horse trainer and very fit. Even with Lipitor my numbers remained very high. My doctor said he had never seen a number this high in his career. I love fish and rarely eat meat. My diet is not always perfect but darn close! My doctor wants an echo of my heart. It is discouraging to know even eating healthy and exercising I am in danger of heart attack or stroke. I do not smoke. Have an occasional social drink. I am about 10 pounds heavier than I want to be. I am 5 feet 4 inches tall and weigh 140. I would appreciate your advice. As you can imagine the stress of seeing my numbers yesterday may cause the heart attack.

First thank you for a quick response . I am a bit confused about your comment that high cholesterol not being obligatory cause of heart attack. Certainly I know it's not the only indicator, but how am I NOT to worry when every doctor I have been to in the past seemed extremely concerned about my high numbers? You made no mention of stroke. Am I wrong that cholesterol clogs arteries? If it isn't that important then why do I receive such a strong reaction when my lab results are read to me? And that is several doctors over a period of time.
My Dad had a heart attack at age 50 which led to a triple bypass. My mother began having small strokes in her late 60 s. They both had high cholesterol. Non smokers. Mother never drank alcohol but Dad was an alcoholic.
Neither had high blood pressure. My blood pressure was 118/78 this week at my doctor appt. In your opinion, what meds possibly would be most helpful to me? My script at present is Lipitor 20mg once a day. I was told to take one baby aspirin a day. Also, is it true red wine in moderation can lower LDL? And because my HDL is also HIGH does that offset
the LDL at all? Or is that just unfounded? Sir, I sincerely believe STRESS is the biggest factor in heart attack and stroke. That being said I actually was living quite calmly until my doctor shoved a baby aspirin down me, figuratively speaking. If you can answer my questions it would be appreciated. I do understand you don't want anyone to worry, and you are encouraging which I do appreciate. I guess I am totally confused now. Nowadays stress comes just from trying to avoid most foods! Well, if you don't mind answering the curious questions that would be great. Thank you sincerely, I will heed your advice and put the worry aside as best I can. Hopefully the echo and stress test will be wonderful, and you will read about me living to be 90 with the highest recorded average cholesterol in history! LOL Aha, and that's why red wine is advised. No medical reasons. You just wont worry after the wine. You must think I am not being serious at this point, but trust me I am relaxing myself by being amused with the contradictions surrounding cholesterol. It is good of you to help me understand this. Thanks again!