Hereditary High Cholesterol - long

[Guest guest]

I know all about the " cholesterol myth " but coming from a family with

a hereditary risk of arteriosclerosis, it is really hard for me not

to be concerned. All the way back through my mother's family they

were dropping over dead from heart attacks. I have 5 bros & sis and

only one has never had high cholesterol. The other 4 (and me) had

high cholesterol and all have had angioplasty or bi-pass surgery

(some more than once.) My mom had bypass surgery along with some of

her bros and sis. When my youngest bro was 37 he had a heart attack

and had bi-pass surgery. I am 10 yrs older than him and when that

happened it scared the heck out of me. I decided I did not want to

end up having this happen to me. So I went on a very strict low-

fat/high carb diet. I had been taking some supplements and after

doing research starting taking more and especially anything that was

supposed to help strengthen the heart. I dropped my cholesterol from

400 down to 268 by diet alone. My bros & sis all took cholesterol

reducing drugs. I felt comfortable with the 268 as my good

cholesterol was high, bad low and triglycerides low - so felt my

ratio was pretty good. I refused to take any drugs. I'm now 64 and

the only one in my family (except the one that never had high

cholesterol, and who eats anything and everything - junk included)

that has not had to have any surgical procedures.

But now I've ended up with this awful candida which I'm sure my low-

fat/high-carb diet contributed to. In fact, looking back, all my

digestive problems started around the time I changed to this diet.

Since going on the candida diet so many of my physical ailments

have disappeared.

Well, now on the candida diet I'm eating red meats again (which

I've always loved, by the way ) and all these fats. But I still

worry

about heart problems because of the hereditary factor. Especially

since the one sis with the low cholesterol has never had a problem

and the rest with high cholesterol all had problems. So might there

be cause for concern when this hereditary factor exists. I just

can't reconcile myself to the fact that it isn't important.

Any info that would alleviate my fears would be greatly appreciated.

Gail