Back in summer 2021 I received some alarming test results that had nothing to do with cancer. A routine lipid panel showed an elevated LDL level. All of my other markers were pristine, but since this number sat squarely in the danger zone, my physician ordered a repeat. She thought that perhaps the test was incorrect.
The test was not wrong.
With no other risk factors for heart disease and no heart disease in my personal history, I didn’t want to take the heavy duty drugs my doctor was poised to offer. Instead, I spent that fall tinkering with diet, increasing my physical activity, and decreasing my stress. Before I could order another test, I was swept up into the world of cancer. Hypercholesterolemia took a back seat until November 2022, when I signed up for a fancy lipid panel.
That Nov ‘22 test result — while better than the ‘21 test results — was still dangerously high.
When discussing the result with an endocrinologist, she asked me if I ate coconut products, specifically coconut oil. Yes, it’s been a wonderful addition to my morning coffee for years. “Some people,” she said, “react to the saturated fat in coconut oil. Try removing it from your diet for a month and then retest.”
I was up for that challenge and did her one better: I cut down on all saturated fats. I had already increased my intake of fish and nuts. I knew I could also stop eating butter and cheese and cream.
The month flew by and I had my blood tested again in early February.
Result: A disappointing <5% drop.
Next step: Drug therapy.
Because I had been booted briefly from my pharmacy benefit, I didn’t procure the Rx immediately. I had time to start another dietary intervention. I knew of fiber’s potential effect on cholesterol and had tried to incorporate more of it — oatmeal specifically — in 2021. I needed more data this time: how much fiber would make a difference? Based on my records in My Fitness Pal, I saw that my fiber intake over the years had been All American, i.e., too low at <20g most days. I decided to substantially increase my fiber intake to at least 35g per day, especially soluble fiber, and order another test in early March.
Once again, the month was quickly over and I was at the lab for a blood draw.
Result: A substantial 35% drop in 4 weeks.
My LDL is still high, but not stunningly so. I’ve decided to continue my dietary intervention for a couple months and test again.
This experience was challenging for me in a way that had nothing to do with my diet. I find it difficult to stand up to the medical establishment. I understand intellectually that I am in charge of my body and my health. Yet, it can seem easier to offload certain responsibilities to my doctor, especially in areas that are complex and uncertain. Cardiologists are not in agreement about root causes and interventions for hypercholesterolemia. How could I know what’s best?
At the same time, I wanted a more elegant solution to the problem than piling on another drug. And I was willing to do the work. This starting point helped motivate me to test simple changes.
While this approach doesn’t guarantee success for every condition, I plan on staying in charge even if I farm out the work.
Chris was in charge this week replacing the pump in our washing machine and an actuator cable for the charge door of our car.