My LDL is borderline high --- with low trig. and much higher than recommended HDL. I'm very active, eat lots of fruits and veggies and have a low risk factor even though on Social Security!!!! My doctor has recommended taking a statin drug for this, however, I hesitate starting on drugs as I'm in pretty good health. We have agreed that I would try taking 1000 mg of niacin daily. Has anyone had any experience with niacin for controlling cholesterol??

Hi--My doctor also just prescribed niacin. I'm 34, healthy, not overweight, exercise regularly, have low blood pressure, eat well, and have cholesterol of 280+, with HDL of 65+. I've never taken any cholesterol lowering drug, and I was worried about the potential long term liver damage with Lipitor, so my doctor suggested niacin. I also want to know...how have other people on this board tolerated niacin? What were the side effects, and was it effective?
As a new board user, I would love any Niacin advice and/or help. Thanks!

I have been taking niacin for many years (750-1000mg/day), and have found it to be beneficial for both raising HDL and lowering LDL cholesterol. But give it some time to work, since it may take anywhere from 4-6 months before you achieve maximum benefits. Niacin also does something else which no statin drug can do-- it lowers lipoprotein(a), which is considered to be even more damaging than LDL. All in all, I think you will benefit from niacin. If you find skin flushing to be a problem, you can always substitute inositol hexanicotinate, a flush free version of niacin which is said to be equally effective. The one thing that puzzles me is why your doctor was so eager to put you on a statin drug even though your HDL was high, your triglycerides were low, and you only had a borderline high LDL level. To me that simply doesn't make a great deal of sense. In any case, I think you are making the right decision, and I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks AZ73 for your input --- really appreciate your understanding about hesitation to start with drugs for control of cholesterol. Doctors have been trying for years to put me on statins even though my chol. is only about 230 and with a low risk factor ---- if I refuse to take the meds, they fire me as a patient --- so I take the script but never get it filled!!! Of course, they are happy because they think I'm taking the meds!!! If niacin can be as helpful why do the doctors not recommend it as a first line of defense???? All doc. recommend exercise and diet (which I do) and it doesn't seem to help.
Again -- really appreciate your input --- I'm new to this site but have found it to be extremely interesting!!!

You have asked the classic question of why don't they reccomend niacin , the answer is that a lot of them are in bed with the drug companies so they reccomend their drugs . niacin is a vitamin supplement in which nobody is going to make a lot of money because there are hundreds of different makers who make niacin .


Originally posted by Clover0411:
Thanks AZ73 for your input --- really appreciate your understanding about hesitation to start with drugs for control of cholesterol. Doctors have been trying for years to put me on statins even though my chol. is only about 230 and with a low risk factor ---- if I refuse to take the meds, they fire me as a patient --- so I take the script but never get it filled!!! Of course, they are happy because they think I'm taking the meds!!! If niacin can be as helpful why do the doctors not recommend it as a first line of defense???? All doc. recommend exercise and diet (which I do) and it doesn't seem to help.
Again -- really appreciate your input --- I'm new to this site but have found it to be extremely interesting!!!

Oh please,you have got to be kidding.Not the conspiracy theory junk again.

arizona....what was your hdl and ldl before niacin and after?are you on statins?

The answer as to why docs prescribe statins so quickly may be twofold. First, statins works fairly quickly and reliably to lower numbers & docs are goal oriented -- patient fixed. Secondly, there was a report published in the last 6-12 mos. that urged docs to prescribe statins to almost all their patients after age 40 on a prophalactic basis -- much like aspirin therapy. I heard this from the medical editor on Good Morning America and was amazed because I hadn't thought the medical community thought statins were that safe. Nevertheless, docs will go with what their medical peers tell them -- that is what they are trained to do. My doc gives me the option of trying herbals or vitamins first for many things (cholesterol, hot flashes, etc.)before considering meds. You have to look for ones with a progressive mindset (generally the younger ones). By the way AZ73 and Clover0411 -- I recently started on flush-free niacin 1000 mg./day, Super Omega-3 fish oils 1000 mg./day, and Garlinase 4000 enteric coated in addition to my regular vitamin (at the suggestion of AZ73). I'll recheck my numbers in 6 mos. and hopefully they're lower!

Vipergg22:

I am inclined to agree with you. It is generally well known that many physicians receive their fair share of "perks" by pushing certain prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies have a lot of money to spread around, so they are a very influential force with tremendous clout. Just take a look at all the television advertising they do! They put screwy ideas in peoples' heads, knowing that many of them will run right out and ask their doctor to prescribe it. Only a very naive person would believe that doctors are in now way being influenced to push these statin drugs. That would be the same as believing that politicians do not accept favors or money from lobbyists.

BethS:

I also agree with what you have said. Statin drugs provide a quick and convenient quick-fix, and they work quickly. Of course, the consequences of their use predisposes a person to the possibility of developing any number of maladies associated with their use, some of which can be serious, long-term, and maybe even irreversible. The prospect of launching a campaign to administer statins to virtually everyone over the age of 40, regardless of their risk, is frightening to say the least. I can only hope and pray that reason and common sense will prevail.

Phja:

I have never taken statin drugs, although my father has, so I have seen the kind of problems that they can cause, especially for older individuals. My experience with niacin spans a total of about 11 or 12 years. I did not begin taking it because of any particular problem. I am very interested in nutrition and the benefits of certain dietary supplements, and I realized early on that niacin is valuable for good circulation and overall cardiovascular health. So, you do not have to wait until you have a problem before supplementing with this or any other dietary supplement. My overall experience has been that I have seen a gradual, cummulative improvement in my blood-lipid profile over the last eleven years. My LDL, which to my knowledge had never actually been particularly high, went from 135 to 110. But the biggest improvement was with respect to HDL, which had been 69 in 1991, and today it is at 107. But I never did see the HDL hit 107 without first incorporating a standardized garlic supplement(6000mcg allicin)into my daily regimen 5 years ago. At that time, the HDL had been around 85. But in my two next blood tests since including the garlic, my HDL readings have been 113 & 107 respectively.

Beth S -- I have not (so far) had a problem with niacin flush --- I have heard niacinimade is another option that reduces the flushing. But I take at night right before going to bed --- also heard if flushing does become a problem to take an aspirin about one hour before --- but don't like to take unless really necessary. Doctors appear to be doing with statins as they did with hormone replacement therapy. All women, at a certain age, were automatically prescribed with a drug!!! Now, as you probably know, they have found the error in that philosophy!!! Although my total cholesterol was only 238, my doctor felt it was imperative I take a statin, however, at the same time he suggested I go on the Atkin's diet!!!???!!! Have not been able to figure that one out yet and he was unable to clarify for me how my cholesterol would go down on a high fat diet!!!

Clover0411:

Forget about niacinamide. Niacinamide is a totally different version of vitamin B-3. It will do nothing at all for cholesterol. If a flush-free niacin supplement is what you are after, then the one to get is inositol hexanicotinate.

Thanks Arizona73 ---- will remember your remarks about niacinamide -- also looking at a website about "the cholesterol myth" --- have ordered it to try to get this all straight in my mind!!! The more I learn about it -- the more confused I become!!!

Clover0411:

The niacin I am taking states right on the bottle "flush-free niacin" and underneath "inositol hexanicotinate". I take 500 mg. in the a.m. and another 500 mg. at night along with the garlic and fish oil as mentioned. So far I have seen no adverse reactions or problems with what I'm doing. At first, I had trouble locating just what I wanted, but then discovered a huge selection and variety at our local health food store (as opposed to GNC or Walgreens).

Thank you guys for giving such helpful information to a new user! I am going to start the niacin, and I feel greatly reassured by your experiences. I have one question--is the flush-free niacin (inositol?)available by prescription? Good luck Clover!

Hi GatorFan --- Good luck with the niacin --- I get my niacin from the local health food store --- I prefer to buy "quality" brands rather than a store brand. (Guess I'm just silly about somethings!!). So far I've had no problems --- and don't expect any now. I think you should be able to find the inositol without a prescription. But have you had a blood profile done before taking this supplement??? If not, you probably should to make sure you are in need http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks Clover--yes, I had a full blood profile done, before my doctor prescribed slow release niacin from a pharmacy (my total cholesterol runs between 280-300, with HDL at 65+) and I'm going to get my liver function checked every two months. Since I'm young to have such high cholesterol (without a BP or weight problem), my doctor tests my blood all the time. Hooray for thoroughness...but ouch, I'm tired of getting stuck. I'm not getting any flushing with the niacin so far either, but it is giving me acid reflux, though that may just be the aspirin. I'm so tempted just to ignore the cholesterol level entirely and not even try to lower it, since my family lives so long anyway. I'll see how I do on the niacin. Thanks for all of your support!

Hi GatorFan --- I hope all goes well for you with the niacin --- so far I have not noticed any change -- without the aspirin. Really hopeful the next blood test comes back with some improvement -- or I know the dr. will start pushing the statins again!!! I get so tired of switching doctors!!! Arizona 73 also had an interesting post about pantethine for high cholesterol --- but will stick with the niacin at least until February blood workup!!! Best wishes --- http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

UPDATE ---- UPDATE ---- UPDATE ---- After taking 1000 mg. niacin for just two months my total cholesterol went from 254 to 237. I understand this is not a significant drop but was not expecting much until 4-6 months on the niacin. Next blood work will be done in February but have switched to the Inositol Hexaniacinate until then!!!!

Clover0411:

Has there been any change in the HDL?

I know I am sounding like a broken record, but I really recommend folks try Policosanol. The amount of clinical evidence is significant. It is made from cane sugar. No noted side effects. Very tolerable. Over the counter. Cheap.

It works terrific for me. I take 20mg/day and it raised my HDL from 30 to 41 and lowered my ldl by about 25%. It is unfortunately almost completely unknown to most doctors.

Go to:
http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

Type in policosanol and click on the Go button. Do the research for yourself.

Clover041 - Your doctor was right to recommend the Atkin Diet, or any low carb diet for that matter. Fat is not a bad word. Low carb is successful for almost everyone who commits to it. It does allow high fat and protein intake, it's done wonders for my cholesterol numbers. My doc wanted me on statins, I tried niacin with little success, but low carb had me eating non-processed healthy foods and felling great.
I've saved the following article on fats and cholesterol, an interesting read -
Dietary Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

Foods containing trans fat sell because the American public is afraid of the alternative: Saturated fats found in tallow, lard, butter, palm oil and coconut oil - fats traditionally used for frying and baking. Yet the scientific literature delineates a number of vital roles for dietary saturated fats: they enhance the immune system,54 are necessary for healthy bones,55 provide energy and structural integrity to the cells,56 protect the liver,57 and enhance the body's use of essential fatty acids.58 Stearic acid, found in beef tallow and butter, has cholesterol-lowering properties and is a preferred food for the heart.59 As saturated fats are stable, they do not become rancid easily, they do not call upon the body's reserves of antioxidants, they do not initiate cancer, and they do not irritate the artery walls. Your body (liver)makes saturated fats, and your body makes cholesterol - about 2,000 mg per day. In general, cholesterol that the average American absorbs from food amounts to about 100 mg per day.
So, in theory, even reducing animal foods to zero will result in only a five per cent decrease in the total amount of cholesterol available to the blood and tissues. In practice, such a diet is likely to deprive the body of the substrates it needs to manufacture enough of this vital substance. Cholesterol, like saturated fats, stands unfairly accused. It acts as a precursor to vital corticosteroids (hormones that help us deal with stress and protect the body against heart disease and cancer) and to the sex hormones like androgen, testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone. It is a precursor to vitamin D, a very important fat-soluble vitamin needed for healthy bones and nervous system, proper growth, mineral metabolism, muscle tone, insulin production, reproduction and immune system function. And it is the precursor to bile salts which are vital for digestion and assimilation of fats in the diet. Recent research shows that cholesterol acts as an antioxidant.60
This is the likely explanation for the fact that cholesterol levels go up with age. As an antioxidant, cholesterol protects us against free-radical damage that leads to heart disease and cancer. Cholesterol is the body's repair substance, manufactured in large amounts when the arteries are irritated or weak. Blaming heart disease on high serum cholesterol levels is like blaming firemen, who have come to put out a fire, for starting the blaze. Cholesterol is needed for proper function of serotonin receptors in the brain.61 Serotonin is the body's natural 'feel-good' chemical. This explains why low cholesterol levels have been linked to aggressive and violent behaviour, depression and suicidal tendencies.
Mother's milk is particularly rich in cholesterol and contains a special enzyme that helps the baby utilise this nutrient. Babies and children need cholesterol-rich foods throughout their growing years to ensure proper development of the brain and nervous system. Dietary cholesterol plays an important role in maintaining the health of the intestinal wall,62 which is why low-cholesterol vegetarian diets can lead to leaky gut syndrome and other intestinal disorders. Animal foods containing saturated fat and cholesterol provide vital nutrients necessary for growth, energy and protection from degenerative disease. Like sex, animal fats are necessary for reproduction. Humans are drawn to both by powerful instincts. Suppression of natural appetites leads to weird nocturnal habits, fantasies, fetishes, bingeing and splurging. Animal fats are nutritious and satisfying and they taste good. "Whatever is the cause of heart disease," said the eminent biochemist Michael Gurr in a recent article, "it is not primarily the consumption of saturated fats."63 And yet the high priests of the lipid hypothesis continue to lay their curse on the fairest of culinary pleasures: butter and Béarnaise, whipped cream, soufflés and omelettes, full-bodied cheeses, juicy steaks and pork sausages.

Originally posted by hunter44:
Clover041 - Your doctor was right to recommend the Atkin Diet, or any low carb diet for that matter. Fat is not a bad word. Low carb is successful for almost everyone who commits to it. It does allow high fat and protein intake, it's done wonders for my cholesterol numbers. My doc wanted me on statins, I tried niacin with little success, but low carb had me eating non-processed healthy foods and felling great.
I've saved the following article on fats and cholesterol, an interesting read -
Dietary Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

Hunter, interesting article and theories. I admit I am still on the fence on this one. But the argument is compelling.

Arizona73 --- Yes -- there was a change in the HDL --- it went from 66 to 59. However, it was another lab that did the blood work this time and I am finding they reported this was still within their acceptable limits which is >55. I am not really concerned about the cholesterol numbers. There are probably many more things in life to worry about!!!

Yes Clover0411, there are more things in life to worry about. So forget about cholesterol. But most importantly of all, forget forever about ever taking anything so insidiously harmful as statin drugs.

Just an observation Arizona73.If you advise someone not to worry about their cholesterol,and you say that you do not,then why are the testing? If you are not concerned about it why undergo a meaningless test,and even if the numbers are high,you are not going to do anything about it.Kinda funny

Gooba --- actually it was my decision to not worry about my cholesterol, Arizona73 only agreed with that decision. My cholesterol is not that high and the medical community cannot agree on what causes cholesterol to be higher than the arbitrary numbers they have assigned to their beliefs. I consider playing with my granddaughters to be much more rewarding. I have read several of your posts and can understand your testimonials, however, I still cannot help feeling that the medical community as well as the pharamaceutical firms would want EVERYONE taking their drugs. I have noticed the doctors don't want terminally sick patients -- they only want moderately sick patients - and ones with the best health care policies are much preferred. We are ALL going to die -- we just have to make our own decisions on how we want to die.

Obviously there are individuals who need to pay closer attention to cholesterol, but I personally don't feel that Clover0411 falls into that particular category, based on information that was provided. A single total cholesterol reading means little, in my opinion, and in the opinion of a growing number of doctors. As more and more risk factors are discovered, the overall equation becomes much longer and increasingly complex with each passing year. In the meantime, the scientific and medical communities have triggered a sense of panic among a great many people. People have become increasingly obsessed and worried because their cholesterol level happens to be over 200. It is so disheartening to realize that for many people, the joy that comes from eating good food has been replaced by excessive fear and worry. Many people now look at a piece of delicious porterhouse steak as if it were poison, and that's sad, because it sure seems like people's lives have become so much more miserable as a result. On the other hand, I feel strongly that the overall health of a great number of people can be vastly improved by simply cutting out all of those junk food carbohydrates that we as a nation have grown so addicted to.

That is not entirely true about not eating the foods.It is if you go by the diets that have been proposed.You free yourself from that limitation on these drugs.I bbq every weekend,and my diet consists of steaks,beef and pork ribs,brisket,pork roasts,chicken,turkey,fish,cakes,pies and cookies.My cholesterol level is below the new standard,my trigs are 120 and I eat whatever I want,whenever I want.So,yes,these drugs let you eat those things that diets will not let you.

Pies, cakes, and cookies. These are precisely the kind of junk foods I'm talking about. Pastries, donuts, bagels, chips, and all the rest of those highly processed, high carb junk foods. The supermarket aisles are full of them. And with the exception of only a handful of items, the cereal aisle is not much better. To occasionally indulge every now and then is one thing, but far too many people are making these foods part of their everyday, dietary lifestyle. I see this all the time at work. Every morning, people are bringing in the donuts and bagels. And at all the group meetings, what do you think is being offered? Yep, it's cookies, pastries, and sugary soft drinks. Well, no wonder why there are so many overweight people in this country, and why we are experiencing an epidemic of diabetes, even among young children. Coincidence? No, I don't think so. It is primarily the result of a diet related disorder that will most certainly result in an increased risk of heart disease. I doubt that neither niacin or any statin drug can counteract the negative effects of such a poor diet regimen. Yet the American Heart Association continues to endorse a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet, which most of these very foods happen to be a part of. Incredible. Simply incredible. Incredibly stupid, that is!

You can doubt all you want.The fact remains that I am able to eat those things and STILL my numbers are low.I am not overweight,my sugar level is at 80,and I eat those terrible things you mention.That is the beauty of those drugs.So,please adhere to your diets,and the next time you get a craving for something or see someone eating that steak and baked potato smothered in butter and sour cream,and esting that dessert afterward,remember that it does not hav to always be that way.Enjoy your rice cakes,and low fat,low carb diet.I think I will fix me some biscuits and gravy this morning.

Gooba - I think you are really missing the point Arizon is making. Statin drugs only treat the symptom of high cholesterol, they don't solve the problem. Your body produces cholesterol as a protection and maintenence tool because your cells require it. The more it produces the more they need it or the worse the condition. In other words, your cells are being damaged by something(might be your diet/toxins) and your body is producing more cholesterol to protect the cells from further damage. All doctors will tell you to change your diet, some low fat, some low carb(and that approach is becoming commonplace). By taking statins you are preventing cholesterol being made in the liver to help a problematic condition. By eating the same cake, pastry diet further adds to the problem. By eliminating the foods that cause the problem(insulin spikes & elevated cholesterol), your body will then reduce it's production of cholesterol and bring your lipid levels within reasonable ratios. You are what you eat and your trigs are high, indicative of a high carb intake. IMHO to continue with the same diet and think the statin has solved the problem does not delve deep enough into the condition presented. Peace.

Gooba, you may be able to treat yourself to some cookies and pies from time to time, just so long as you're not pigging out on this stuff. But, as I see it you are by no means emphasizing a high carb food group anyway, as so many other people are. Evidently you have not bought into all that propaganda that has become so pervasive in our society. The fact that you are continuing to eat such good, wholesome foods like steak, beef, pork ribs, brisket, pork roast, chicken, turkey, and fish is clearly indicative of a good diet, at least as far as I'm concerned. I am definitely not a proponent of the low-fat, high carb diet, as it is my opinion that anyone who embraces such a diet and increases their intake of refined carbohydrates is asking for trouble down the road.

Hunter44 - you are so right --- people will take a pill and think their problem is solved when, in fact, they are only treating their symptoms, and their problem still exists. The easy way out!!???!!! Or so they think.

Hunter,I delved deeply into the problem.This is what usually happens after you have an MI.Your cholesterol goes up.As an example my TC was always around 170-180 before.While in the hosptial it shot up to 230-240.The diet in the hospital was alot better than the one I had prior.After I got out of the hospital,I ate like a bird.My total calories everyday was 1000.I read all of the labels,ate vegetables,no carbs at all,almost nothing in sugar intake.Guess what,it stayed at 230.Did all of the tests and the liver is working great.So here I am eating like crap,spending more time reading labels,weighing portions,and feeling miserable.I finally get to a heart attack support group and they ask me why am I killing myself because the majority of them all had the same reults with their cholesterol.So,here I am.

Clover0411,please enlighten me as to what my problem is.Tell me so that I can tell the others that are in the heart attack support groups how to do this without the drugs.Tell me why ours went up and stayed there.
I can't wait tohear this,because it has to be something that all of us have not been able to find out about.
Easy way out? How about the ONLY way out.There are not a one of you here that would deny that risk factors are high on the list of priorities on taking statins.A heart attack is numero uno on the list.Add,the high cholesterol that is not attributed to any extra dietary intake,and you have very little choice.
Here is how it shakes out.I get my cholesterol down,I get to eat what I want,I enjoy myself and spend more time enjoying food than in worrying about it.You and some of the others who do the diet route enjoy yourselves.Been there and done that.Threw the T shirt away.I am accomplishing the same thing that you are without the hassle. Or so I know.

Gooba - my heart goes out to you. My guess is that cholesterol was not the problem, certainly not at 240(that's the lowest I have ever been). S***, I wish mine stayed at 240, but my HDL is very high and Trigs very low, eating low carb. What was/is your HDL & Trigs without a statin? If HDL was low and trigs high there is your answer. Any major stress? Overweight? I guess the best thing to remember is that high cholesterol is a secondary factor now. And, I do think diet plays a major role. Diet does not become fully effective until after 6 to 12 months, from then on it is a lifelong commitment. I don't think it's fair to even use numbers while on a statin because the drug is doing the talking. It's a tough choice for you because you have had a MI, but I would continue researching the area because there is new research info every day. Baby aspirin might be even better than a statin. IMHO, I do not like statins. Good Luck.

hunter,I do not blame my MIs on cholesterol alone.True 240 is not high to alot of people,but it is high considering mine prior to my MIs was in the 170s.SMoking and stress played a major role in what happened.In answer to your question my HDL without he statins was 29,and my trigs have always been around 100-150.On my current medications my HDL jumped to 45.I no longer smoke,nor am I overweight.I do 200 rows in the morning before work,I usually end up walking at least 2 miles at work,and I ride 10 miles on a mountain bike when I get home,and I finish with 30 minutes on the weight bench.So,I think I get plenty of exercise.I do,pay attention and do the research on what is out there,but I have to be very selective due to the medications that I have to take everyday.A baby apsirin has always been part of my medication intake as prescribed by my Dr.
Here is what I think.I hear people complain about being guinea pigs etc.Well,that may be true in some cases,but,it is usually people like me who are actually the guinea pigs.They have actual hard data on us and can actually see what is going on and how their treatment works or fails.What I have been doing over these years has been closely monitored and documented.My last cardiac cath a few months ago showed that I did need a stent implanted,but,the areas that were 60% occluded 8 years ago were now only 40% occluded.I am now more active than I was prior to my MIs.I was taking coumadin and a baby aspirin 2 years before they published the paper that said it was a good therapy.I was on niacin and a statin a year before it was published that it was a viable therapy.
So,if something better comes along,and it does not interfere with what I am doing,then I will gladly try it.

Gooba, in regards to carbs and fats, what was your diet like before your MI as compared to now? You said that the food in the hospital was better than what you had been eating. That certainly can't be the case now.

My prior MI diet consisted of a gallon of whole milk in a little over 2 days,2 eggs and bacon in the morning with hashbrowns,fast food for lunch,meat,potatoes,white rice.Most of this was everyday.I was not overweight then either.The worst part of my numbers then was my hdl which was low.Everything else was fine.

I wonder if I'm the only one who has had bad luck with niacin. I've been trying to control cholesterol levels through extremely low fat intake--per Dean Ornish--about 10 - 15 mg of fat per day. While this lowered my cholesterol a little--it was still marginal. So I tried the niacin route. Gradually building up to 500 mg. a day. Over time I started to have very weird side effects including weakness, palpitations, dizziness, and some signs that the doctor ascribed to possible liver involvement. So while my cholesterol was only affected nominally, I felt so bad I stopped the regimine and I felt much better--within a week. (And my cholesterol remains marginal and I'm still reluctant to take statins). Good luck; and should you find the "silver bullet", please share it.

carlysle,

I stopped niacin too. After trying and trying and TRYING to get my dosage above 125 mg. and STILL sufferering flushes and rashes and itching and a strange claustrophobic feeling, from even that silly little dosage, I gave up. It was just too much anguish to bear on a day to day basis.
I put the bottle back in the medicine "closet"; I can't bear to throw pills out.

I wish I COULD take niacin but it's just too difficult. I could bear the experience once, twice or even twenty times, but every day ad infinitum is too much like the Chinese Water Torture...drip, drip.

Don't start taking anything. You need LDL, and the high HDL means your fine. Sounds like your doctor is trying so hard to find ANYTHING to treat you for. IF you start statins, chances are you doctor will make you a patient with real problems. (although caused by him). Please be careful.

I took a brand of niacin last year that worked really well, it was in Cholest-lo or something like that. Last week I got another form of immediate release niacin and thought I was going to die. My whole body got so hot and red that it looked like I was severly sunburned. And then I started itching and it felt like pins sticking all in my upper body. I got in the shower and took a cold shower and it still didn't help. I really thought I would have to go to the emergency room but called my Dr and they said to take an aspirin. That was one rough several hours so be careful in what kind you take.