I have a lot of similarities... close to your age with high LDL (for years). My issue is high ApoB.
I tried 95% of the lifestyle changes I could make: diet (e.g. TLC diet), exercise, stress, sleep, etc. Tried all sorts of supplementation: e.g. fish oil, plant stanols & sterols, garlic extract (did not try Red Yeast Rice).
I too believed I could fight my genetics and avoid an Rx. I also believed, being still young, it was "not a problem for me yet."
But after good counsel, and understanding how early intervention solves massive problems 20+ years down the line, I decided to go forward with a statin. TBD results as it's still early.
Hey Michael, thanks for sharing your personal story, you told me last year that you were thinking about writing this so it's nice to see it finally arrive. Well researched and interesting beyond the typical "eat, sleep, and exercise better" advice we often get online. You mentioned sleep a couple times, but did not discuss how that helps with cardiovascular disease or your condition in particular, did you discover anything along those lines? I'm curious because I'm trying to improve my sleep but not doing a great job (avg 6-7 hrs, trying to get to solid 8).
Thanks Dave! Sleep is what I'm currently trying to optimize. My sleep scores are in the 70-80 range and trying to get it 90+ consistently. Will report back if I find anything that works well. Let me know if you find anything that works too!
Thanks for spreading the word about Lp(a). I found out I had super elevated Lp(a) by to following Peter Attia, I had my LDL a bit high, I tested just in case I was in the 20% of population that has high Lp(a) and I found out that I had 1300 mg/L (300mg/L is consider high). I have been on Rapatha for over a year and my numbers are much better now. Lp(a) still high but 40% lower. Awaiting new approvals like you. I have FW your post to a bunch of friends to encourage them to get tested. Thanks for writing it :)
I have a lot of similarities... close to your age with high LDL (for years). My issue is high ApoB.
I tried 95% of the lifestyle changes I could make: diet (e.g. TLC diet), exercise, stress, sleep, etc. Tried all sorts of supplementation: e.g. fish oil, plant stanols & sterols, garlic extract (did not try Red Yeast Rice).
I too believed I could fight my genetics and avoid an Rx. I also believed, being still young, it was "not a problem for me yet."
But after good counsel, and understanding how early intervention solves massive problems 20+ years down the line, I decided to go forward with a statin. TBD results as it's still early.
That's great that you found a solution that should hopefully work. Let me know how it goes!
Hey Michael, thanks for sharing your personal story, you told me last year that you were thinking about writing this so it's nice to see it finally arrive. Well researched and interesting beyond the typical "eat, sleep, and exercise better" advice we often get online. You mentioned sleep a couple times, but did not discuss how that helps with cardiovascular disease or your condition in particular, did you discover anything along those lines? I'm curious because I'm trying to improve my sleep but not doing a great job (avg 6-7 hrs, trying to get to solid 8).
Thanks Dave! Sleep is what I'm currently trying to optimize. My sleep scores are in the 70-80 range and trying to get it 90+ consistently. Will report back if I find anything that works well. Let me know if you find anything that works too!
Hello Michael,
Thanks for spreading the word about Lp(a). I found out I had super elevated Lp(a) by to following Peter Attia, I had my LDL a bit high, I tested just in case I was in the 20% of population that has high Lp(a) and I found out that I had 1300 mg/L (300mg/L is consider high). I have been on Rapatha for over a year and my numbers are much better now. Lp(a) still high but 40% lower. Awaiting new approvals like you. I have FW your post to a bunch of friends to encourage them to get tested. Thanks for writing it :)
Wishing you all the best and great health.
Great essay, thank for sharing all this, super helpful 🙏