Hi,

I'm new to the boards. I have been searching and searching for some research on what age is ok to start cholesterol lowering drugs or some sort of age study. I am 24 and have hereditarily high cholesterol. My latest test showed 339 total with 53 HDL. I have seen from reading here doctors do not usually? prescribe these drugs to younger people. I am deathly afraid of taking anything on the whim of a doctor. I have had numbers like this my whole life and now my new doctor is freaking out wanting me to start right away. I have tried literally everything and drugs are my last resort. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Janna

Hello, I don't know if you're overweight or not. Weight has a lot to do with the numbers, also you might want to check out what you ate the night before the test. Make sure you fasted at least 12 hours before the blood test. Genes do play a big role, but you still have to investigate why your cholesterol is up. Mine is also in my genes, but I diet and exercise work for me. That doesn't mean diet and exercise will work for everyone, because some people do have to take meds. What do you eat in one day average day? What kind of exercise do you do? You really need to heavily evaluate your life style. Also you need to look at the HDL/LDL ratio. I don't really like hearing someone so young taking meds, unless there's no other alternative for them. Genes don't have to be a death sentence.

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Magpie

I understand your reluctance to rush right out to the nearest drugstore to obtain a prescription for a potent statin drug. I don't know if you are overweight, currently on one of those dismal low-fat diets, or taking any nutritional supplements. I would suggest that you emphasize a low-carbohydrate diet, restricting breads, pastas, starchy vegetables, and any other sugar-ladden junk foods. Increase your consumption of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, etc. Fish oil capsules(3-6 per day)will also help. Also, supplemental niacin has been found to have been beneficial to many people in lowering total cholesterol and elevating HDL cholesterol. No statin drug will boost your HDL like niacin can. That alone can considerably improve your ratio. I would also get a garlic supplement which is standardized for between 4000-6000mcg allicin, and take one tablet each day. In addition, if you are not already taking them, I would suggest that you increase your intake of Vitamin C to between 1500-2000mg per day, and your Vitamin E intake should be a minimum of 400 units. As for the niacin, I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor. Many people can probably take up to 1000mg per day without needing any medical supervision. Now, you may require more, which is why it is important that you discuss this option with your doctor. Based on the results of your blood test, he can most accurately make a determination as to what dose should be prescribed, and then monitor you accordingly via future blood tests. Good luck to you!