All Clear on the Cholesterol Front

The cholesterol situation is NOT a crisis, according to my family doctor.

I was puzzled when she said that because my rheumatologist had referred me to her with the request that she send me to a specialist for my cholesterol since the Actemra (tocilizumab) infusions would likely increase my borderline levels.

But to quell my concerns, my family doctor showed my the handy-dandy chart she used to come to her quick conclusion.

Entitled the "10-Year Coronary Disease Risk Assessment," it took into account things like my age, bloodwork results, smoking, diabetic and blood pressure statuses, and added up all the corresponding points, charted a percentage and spat out (OK, not literally, but sounds fun!) a figure that clearly indicated I'm in the low-risk category.

Whew! Ben & Jerry's, here I come! (Just kidding! Or at least somewhat kidding.) My doctor says we'll check my cholesterol again in six months just in case and go from there.

Okey-dokey. I am good with that.

High Cholesterol

Newly added to the list:

Borderline high cholesterol – so borderline, it might as well be high.

Who is this person I've become?

I do not know her.