High cholesterol and low blood pressure

[Tapeworm]

I have an employee who has been diagnosed with "high cholesterol" (LDL presumeably) and blood pressure so low that they stopped his stress test (treadmill) after only walking because they thought he'd pass out.  He's been feeling like he could faint and very low on energy for a couple weeks.  His problems came on quite suddenly and his condition worsened rapidly over the course of last week.

His doc says the problem isn't his heart.  He's been given pills of some sort for the low blood pressure and told to exercise more and eat clean, but nothing for the cholesterol since the doc says he's too young for cholesterol meds at 30 years.

Family has a history of diabetes 2 (he's not overweight though) and he hasn't been tested, dad has a history of heart and cholesterol trouble, no liver function tests have been done.

He's a good dude and I'd hate to see him kick off.  Any suggestions?

[DK II]

have him checked for leukemia. A friend of my father had the same symptoms. 

Other than that, ask for his diet, he probably doesn't do sports as well. If he has lots of stress, tell him to take a vacation for a week or so.

[Tapeworm]

have him checked for leukemia. A friend of my father had the same symptoms. 

Other than that, ask for his diet, he probably doesn't do sports as well. If he has lots of stress, tell him to take a vacation for a week or so.

His diet has been fairly poor but nothing shocking (cleaner now of course).  His exercise level is 0, although we work construction so he's on his feet all day walking around. 

He just had a week off and I want his ass back at work!    I told him to take some more time if he needs it tho.  He's an honest guy and I'm sure he not faking anything.  Worked a half day today and says he'll be in tomorrow.  I'm keeping him off ladders etc obviously.

I'll definitely mention the leukemia.  Thanks DK.

[DK II]

His diet has been fairly poor but nothing shocking (cleaner now of course).  His exercise level is 0, although we work construction so he's on his feet all day walking around. 

He just had a week off and I want his ass back at work!    I told him to take some more time if he needs it tho.  He's an honest guy and I'm sure he not faking anything.  Worked a half day today and says he'll be in tomorrow.  I'm keeping him off ladders etc obviously.

I'll definitely mention the leukemia.  Thanks DK.

Leukemia is just a thought, but i witnessed this myself.

My dad met his friend on some dinner, he was fit as always. A few days later, he felt tired and exhasted, had himself checked and was sent straight to emergency unit. He got a chemotherapy and was in a coma for a few weeks. Still not sure if he will survive.

This all happened in 3-4 weeks, from absolutely on top to close to death. Total shock for everyone, obviously.

I am aware this is not an everyday story, so it will hopefully NOT be the case for your guy, but if i was him, i would have myself checked for EVERYTHING.

[Tapeworm]

He's quite passive and not the sort to speak up.  The problem is that Australian Medicare will do the absolute minimum for you.  You'd think the doc was paying for anything he ordered straight out of his own pocket. 

I've offered to pay for him to see a private doc I like but he declined.  It's not really my business so I don't want to poke my nose in too far, but I mentioned that he'd be wise to rule out diabetes and liver trouble, and I'll add cancer markers to the list.  Seems to me that what they've "diagnosed" are symptoms and he should insist they continue digging in search of the cause.

Spooky how fast it hit him.

[DK II]

He's quite passive and not the sort to speak up.  The problem is that Australian Medicare will do the absolute minimum for you.  You'd think the doc was paying for anything he ordered straight out of his own pocket. 

I've offered to pay for him to see a private doc I like but he declined.  It's not really my business so I don't want to poke my nose in too far, but I mentioned that he'd be wise to rule out diabetes and liver trouble, and I'll add cancer markers to the list.  Seems to me that what they've "diagnosed" are symptoms and he should insist they continue digging in search of the cause.

Spooky how fast it hit him.

AIDS?

Could be anything though.

The cancer was just what came to my mind first. Sorry for the mixup.

[Tapeworm]

Lol.  He doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, and doesn't chase women (or men) as far as I know, so I doubt it.

No mix up dude.  Excellent suggestion.  I'll definitely pass it along.

Hope your dad's pal comes out of it ok.  Goes to show you've got to enjoy every moment (he said, sounding like cliche fortune cookie  ).  True tho.

[DK II]

Lol.  He doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, and doesn't chase women (or men) as far as I know, so I doubt it.

No mix up dude.  Excellent suggestion.  I'll definitely pass it along.

Hope your dad's pal comes out of it ok.  Goes to show you've got to enjoy every moment (he said, sounding like cliche fortune cookie  ).  True tho.

That's maybe the most perfect truth there is to life.