Hi and thanks for your question, we perfectly understand the concern here at Doctors On Call. Your question voiced concern about your cholesterol levels, and if you should start treatment.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance in your blood, and everyone has it. The problem is when someone has too much of it.
What type of cholesterol are there and what are their normal values?

• Total cholesterol <5.17mmol/L
• LDL cholesterol <3.36mmol/L
• HDL cholesterol >1.55mmol/L
• Triglycerides (not cholesterol but are usually tested together) <1.7mmol/L

LDL is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol and HDL is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol. So, having less LDL and more HDL is a good thing but both of this should amount to a total cholesterol of no more than 5.17mmol/L.
the value of LDL varies between different groups for cardiovascular risk, <4.1mml?l for low risk, <3.4mmol/L for moderate risk, <2.6mmol/L for moderate to high risk and <1.8mmol/L for high risk.
What to do if I’m confirmed to have high cholesterol?

• Ask your doctor regarding your overall risk of getting a heart attack or stroke
• Stop smoking if you are currently a smoker
• Control your blood pressure if you have hypertension
• Have a heart healthy diet, with lots of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats (fish and certain oils)
• Avoid red meat, butter, fried food, cheese, and food with lots of saturated fats (check the food label!)
• Exercise can increase HDL and reduce LDL, it also helps in weight reduction which is another risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Should I start medication right away?
No, unless you have already had a heart attack or stroke, have a known heart disease, have diabetes, have periphery arterial disease or have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your symptoms and treatment needed. Thank you.