High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure

[Pater]

What is your stance on the treatment of high cholesterol and high blood pressure? I realize these are genetic issues, but where can I read some legit information (unbiased facts) about the truth surrounding these potential problems and their treatment? Am I just screwed - bound for a stroke or heart attack? My doctor just put me on Lipitor, but I’m not sold. Either way, the weight on the bar keeps going up!

[Mark Rippetoe]

What is your cholesterol, and how high is your blood pressure?

[Pater]

I recently had my annual checkup and blood work done, including my testosterone. I'm 41 yo, 5'9" and 230. My most recent numbers (if they even matter) are: Sqt-395x3x2, DL-450x3, BP-262x3x2, P-202x3x2. I LP'd beginning in August, 2019, through December, 2019, then progressed to intermediate programming until November of this year, when I got the 'rona. I LP'd again and have recently began doing the TM for older guys on a 4 day split. In the past 18 months I've gained about 35 lbs of body weight.

The following are the results of my checkup:

BP has been anywhere from 201/100 (a few hours after intensity day squat and volume day pulls) to 135/86 (rest/recovery day). This is quite a bit higher than in previous years.
Cholesterol = 261 (don't remember HDL and LDL; just that my HDL was low and my LDL was high)
Triglycerides = 369
I had low vitamin D, 21. Dr. said it should be 30 (not sure the units of measure for those numbers)
Testosterone was 232 (yes, I realize that's low)
I'm having a consultation for a sleep study on the 24th of this month as I believe sleep apnea is playing a part in the high BP, at least.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Blood pressure is normally elevated for a while after a heavy workout, and it's obviously a perfusion/recovery mechanism. Sleep apnea will definitely elevate BP chronically. Your lipids are a little high. I'd get in touch with Tier 1 (the guys from the podcast) for a consultation.

[Pater]

Ok thanks