Quote Originally Posted by Bikingmomof3 View Post
Emily,

I have a very rare form of migraines (insert incredibly long, yet impressive sounding, medical term) which make me an extremely high stroke risk. My migraine aura mimicks a stroke. We were actually suprised that it took me so long to have a full stroke. I had several TIAs throughout the years. Looking back we think I suffered my first small stroke when I was 30.

Long story cut very short, for me, my stroke risk is associated directly with what is going on (or not properly going on in my brain) due to my form of migraines. There is no test that can predict when I will have another, although it is known that I will.

My cholestrol played no part in my past strokes or TIAs.

As I mentioned earlier, my husband flunked all his cholesterol tests and was classified as a solid. (As an example, his "good" cholestrol turned bad and his tgriglyceride level was 450) He was 36 at the time of those tests. We eat the same foods, I exercise a heck of a lot more. Even with exercise he has to take medication to lower his. He recently found out all his family members have to take medication for their cholesterol. None have any other health issues.

I personally do not like to rely too much on internet health info I personally have seen a lot of misinformation so I tend to no longer look.

If you are concerned, and you sound like you are, I highly recommend going to see a specialist. If nothing else it will put your mind at ease.

Hopefully this made some sense. I am behind on my caffeine intake.

Edited to add: I forgot to mention I am on anti-seizure meds, which also play a part in my body chemistry. My medical background is a neurological nightmare at times. I think all toll it is amazing I am inas good of shape as I am.
Jennifer,

Thanks for your detailed response! Wow, you have really been through a lot. I'm so sorry. I feel very blessed to have as good health as I do. And actually, I'm not that concerned, just interested...I don't think there are any tests they can do to show a higher tendency towards hemmorhagic strokes, unfortunately. They have just been found to be twice as likely in folks with cholesterol below 180, and mine is 145. A blood vessel bursting is not something that can be predicted; it just happens, and when it does, it is obviously a medical emergency. I will talk to my primary care doc when I next see her, but I'm not in a panic. I'm just trying to be an informed medical consumer and be aware that although most people might "admire" my low cholesterol, it's not necessarily without risks at this level.....

I do appreciate all the responses here. It's all very interesting. I'm just one of these curious types who does lots of research about stuff, and I've always been very interested in medical stuff, wanted to be a doctor when I was growing up, stuff like that, so I pay more attention to test results than the average Joe, I think.

Emily