I'm really worried about my cholesterol levels. Last year, in May, my cholesterol was at 254 with LDL at 180 and triglycerides at 180. A doctor suggested statins, but after getting a second opinion, many said I'm too young for that and should try diet control first, which I did for a bit. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep up with it and slipped back into unhealthy eating because of personal issues. It's been 8 months now, and the doctors wanted me to reduce my cholesterol within 3 months. I'm scared about whether I've caused any irreversible damage, like clogged arteries, which might have shortened my life. Even though I'm trying to get back on track now, I just can't shake off the fear. Is there still hope for me to control this situation?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Anshul Maheshwari

General Practitioner

MBBS
5+ Yrs

Consult Now

Having high cholesterol levels, especially with elevated LDL and triglycerides, can increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) over time. However, it is not necessarily a guarantee that irreversible damage has already occurred. It is important to take steps to control your cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of complications. Since you have already made lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, it is a positive step towards managing your cholesterol levels. In addition to lifestyle modifications, your doctors may still recommend starting a statin medication to help lower your cholesterol more effectively. One commonly prescribed statin medication is Atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor). The usual starting dose for Atorvastatin is 10-20 mg once daily, but your doctor may adjust the dose based on your individual response. It is important to continue following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider to help control your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of complications. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is also important to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Dr. Anshul Suggests...

Consult a Cardiologist

Find a Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

More Cardiology Health Queries

View all

I'm a 22-year-old guy and I've been having this mild chest pain on the left side for about 34 months now. It's not constant but happens occasionally, and it feels like my chest is getting a bit heavier. I notice my heartbeat sometimes during these episodes, and there's this weird sensation like something's there in my chest. The pain usually spreads to my left hand and shoulder, and my hand feels kind of numb for about 20 seconds before it all goes away. I went through an ECG, which showed an abnormal heartbeat, but the 2D Echo came out normal. I had COVID-19 around 56 months ago and took the prescribed medication. This chest pain started only after I recovered. Could it be related to my past COVID infection, or is there something else going on?

refer cardiologist

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm a bit worried about my ECG results. It showed a mild left axis deviation and some T wave abnormalities with a kind of flat wave. Could you help me understand what that might mean? Should I be concerned about these findings?

See a specialist for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Hey, I'm really worried about heart blockages and was wondering if there are any medicines or foods that can help reduce them, maybe even by half or some percentage, if I take them regularly?

There are medications that can help reduce heart blockage, such as statins like Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin. These medications help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. It is important to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, incorporating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also help improve heart health and reduce the progression of heart blockage. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important factors in reducing heart blockage.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors