u/DarkKnight0195

Hello All !

Thanks to this sub I was able to see substantial differences in my reported cholesterol numbers. If you're interested this was my first post and I'm back after six months with an update while seeking some advice.

I'm a 31 yo male, South Asian. Father is on medication for Cholesterol (never had any heart conditions)

Here are my older numbers 👇

I. Numbers from March 31, 2026 :

- Cholesterol, Total 247 mg/dL

- Cholesterol, HDL 61 mg/dL

- Triglycerides 230 mg/dL

- Cholestrol, LDL (calculated) 149 mg/dL

- Cholestrol / HDL ratio = 4

- LDL/HDL ratio = 2.4

- Non HDL cholesterol = 186

And then below are my more recent numbers 👇

II. Numbers from Oct 4, 2026:

- Cholesterol, Total 191 mg/dL

- Cholesterol, HDL 59 mg/dL

- Triglycerides 163 mg/dL

- Cholestrol, LDL (calculated) 109 mg/dL

- Cholestrol / HDL ratio = 3.3

- Non HDL cholesterol = 137

Additional Numbers from Oct 4, 2026 to evaluate risk:

- ApoB 91 (Optimal <90 and Moderate 90-129) so seems like I'm at the borderline

- Lp(a) 99 (Optimal <75 and Moderate 75-125k)

- Ldl particle number 1548 (>1409 is high)

- Ldl small 291 (>219 is high)

- Ldl medium 384 (>301 is high)

- HDL large 6436

- Ldl paattern A (Optimal)

- Ldl Peak Size 219 (Moderate)

After seeing these results purely based on diet and exercise (daily sustainable routine) and no medication, I was hoping for my PCP to give me a pat on the back and suggest that I continue with this approach.

However, they reached out saying that seeing the risk factors he'd suggest a statin and that he'd reach out for a consult about the same. This has me confused and deflated and so I'm considering a second opinion from a cardiologist (I'll ask the PCP to refer me) but I was wondering if anyone out here would know why they'd suggest so ?

Especially since in April they gave me the option of aggressive lifestyle changes or statins and I chose the former which I think worked but now in October they only recommend the statin option (even after such a drastic reduction )

I'm not against statins but i would wanna go on then if there isn't a dire need at my age.

Would love to hear thoughts on the same especially since I'm very new to this.

Hello folks !

Excited to visit the "Heart of America" for the first time for the QF game on July 11 :) . Flying in from California.

I was wondering about the below and would love to get your insight (apologies in advance for the long read) :

We plan on heading to the Fan Fest tomorrow to enjoy the Spain v Belgium game experience - any tips, suggestions ?

Would you recommend it ? Or suggest a different location?

We'd be using KCConnect or we might walk it down.

We also wanted to soak in the entire experience with the other fans and/or do other football activities on July 11 before heading to the game as we have half the day. It could be the fan Fest again or just some place else - pin, street - Any suggestions? If it matters, we are supporting Argentina :)

For visiting the stadium for the QF game, other than clear bag policy - any tips on arrival time or in general to enhance our experience. We've pre booked the shuttle to the stadium (can we go at an earlier time?)

Lastly, any tourist recommendations as we'd be spending until evening on July 12 before heading out (I know it's short but we'd love to make the most of it)

Also, any general local food/fast food recommendations for our short stay from July 10-12 ?

Thanks a ton ! 🇦🇷

Hello All !

Looking for some advice on tests to be done (question at the end). Apologies in advance for the long post and wanted to give all the information :)

Background:

I'm a 30 M (South Asian) and my father has had high cholesterol levels in the past and consumes medication for the same thereby keeping his levels in check for quite a few years. My mum is a diabetic and consumes medication but levels are in check.

Lab results:

2 months ago I got my Blood work (I had not cared about much until then - that was my bad) and here's the Lipid panel details

- Cholesterol, Total 247 mg/dL

- Cholesterol, HDL 61 mg/dL

- Triglycerides 230 mg/dL

- Cholestrol, LDL (calculated) 149 mg/dL

- Cholestrol / HDL ratio = 4

- LDL/HDL ratio = 2.4

- Non HDL cholesterol = 186

The doctor gave me a choice to make aggressive lifestyle changes or go for medication. Decided to try the former to start with for three months, re-check my numbers and then proceed. Two months done. One month to go.

Highlights of Changes I made :

1. Stopped sugary drinks (used to have one cup 3x a week). Stopped consumption completely for past two months except one occasion when I had half a cup of ginger ale. Had stopped consuming alcohol 7 years ago - no changes.

2. Changed breakfast from nuts + milk tea/chai (with sugar) + cookies to either a) oatmeal + fruits + nuts + chia/flax or b) home made granola with milk

3. Consuming psyllium husk (2-3 g per day via capsules) - I'm gonna try increasing this slowly as I didn't wanna shit rocks :)

4. Consuming home made vegetarian food 95% of the time except at social occasions (increased protein intake via low fat Greek yogurt and tofu), more salad regularly. Increased intake of beans/legumes. I've been vegetarian for the longest time anyways. Also, substantially reduced cheese+butter consumption to once in two weeks (very small portion even if I do) . I used to eat our 2x a week before - pizzas and other not so healthy items in the office cafeteria but have stopped that completely.

5. Started exercising 2-3x a week (1-2 days of strength + rowing and 1-2 days of badminton)

6. I have always had a sweet tooth so I used to have a small dessert (usually an unhealthy one) after every meal - yes, guilty 🙈. Switched to having either a) 2 dates or b) small portion of Greek yogurt with home made granola for dessert

7. I do not snack much typically but if I feel like, I'll consume roasted chickpeas or fox nuts or roasted pistachios.

I never noticed saturated fats and added sugars as much as I did in the past two months and have been trying to reduce their consumption as much as I can (I'm sure I can do better but what I have right now seems sustainable)

Question : I'm scheduled to get another test done at the end of June. The doctor has requested for the Lipid Panel + Cardio IQ Advanced.

What else should I request the doctor to add to the list of tests (or confirm if it is part of Cardio IQ Advanced) to get a holistic idea and be able to root cause better.

I had no idea about changes to be made and this sub has been super helpful to read ! Thanks a ton y'all :)