fwa1981
10-19-2003, 08:22 AM
Im 22 male.
I have 220 mg/dl Total Cholesterol
44 mg/dl HDL Cholesterol
148 mg/dl LDL Cholesterol
Are the figures too bad???
How can i go about reducing these figures???
B.t.w im 180 cms and 91 kgs. I also have a fatty liver and my SGPT/ALT is 122 I.U/L and my Uric Acid is 7.1 mg/dl.
I have 220 mg/dl Total Cholesterol
44 mg/dl HDL Cholesterol
148 mg/dl LDL Cholesterol
Are the figures too bad???
How can i go about reducing these figures???
B.t.w im 180 cms and 91 kgs. I also have a fatty liver and my SGPT/ALT is 122 I.U/L and my Uric Acid is 7.1 mg/dl.
Sponsor
zip2play
10-19-2003, 03:46 PM
fwa,
Not REAL bad but not good. That TC/HDL of 5 needs improvement by raising the HDL while lowering the LDL component.
Try Fish oil for Omega-3 oils, lecithin and regular excercise.
That Fatty liver at 22 is serious. Any guess what caused it?....Definitely Lecithin for this.
Last thought...have you had a gout attack yet? That 7.1 uric acid is one just waiting to happen. Allopurinol is really the single best (and almost only) way to lower the uric acid if you DO experience gouty arthritis? Any foot pain that comes out of the blue? Bumps on finger joints?
Be careful, you're too young for these conditions to be commonplace.
Not REAL bad but not good. That TC/HDL of 5 needs improvement by raising the HDL while lowering the LDL component.
Try Fish oil for Omega-3 oils, lecithin and regular excercise.
That Fatty liver at 22 is serious. Any guess what caused it?....Definitely Lecithin for this.
Last thought...have you had a gout attack yet? That 7.1 uric acid is one just waiting to happen. Allopurinol is really the single best (and almost only) way to lower the uric acid if you DO experience gouty arthritis? Any foot pain that comes out of the blue? Bumps on finger joints?
Be careful, you're too young for these conditions to be commonplace.
fwa1981
10-19-2003, 04:18 PM
hello zip2play,
Thankz for replying. A fatty liver at age 22 is bad, nod doubt. I guess too much indulgance of fast food, junk food, red meat and other crap coupled with a sedentary lifestyle lead to this.
Well not gout but i do suffer from chondromalacia type condition in both my knees. But they are more likely because of mechanical irregularities than uric acid. But yes, they become more painful and wont go.
I am taking medicine for lowering uric acid. Besides for the last 5-6 days (since i went to the doc and he went like mad at me asking me to make lifestyle changes)i have changed my eating habits; no meat, lots of fruits and vegs, grains, whole wheat, bran, noodles, fish and stuff. Also i have almost eliminated the oil in my foods and complete abstainance from fried foods. So i guess things shall improve, God willing.
Thankz for replying. A fatty liver at age 22 is bad, nod doubt. I guess too much indulgance of fast food, junk food, red meat and other crap coupled with a sedentary lifestyle lead to this.
Well not gout but i do suffer from chondromalacia type condition in both my knees. But they are more likely because of mechanical irregularities than uric acid. But yes, they become more painful and wont go.
I am taking medicine for lowering uric acid. Besides for the last 5-6 days (since i went to the doc and he went like mad at me asking me to make lifestyle changes)i have changed my eating habits; no meat, lots of fruits and vegs, grains, whole wheat, bran, noodles, fish and stuff. Also i have almost eliminated the oil in my foods and complete abstainance from fried foods. So i guess things shall improve, God willing.
zip2play
10-20-2003, 10:39 AM
fwa,
I'm glad you are on a uric acid lowering med (allopurinol?), I'll bet it will help your knees. Have it remoeasured soon and make sure it's below 6.0. You might need that drug a LONG time...like forever. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder that simply happens to some people...and some families.
You know, of course, that a most common reason for fatty liver is chemical poisoning...usually sustained alcoholism. :(
But other causes abound:
Cause
It would seem logical that eating fatty foods would cause a fatty liver, but this is not the case. The liver does play an important role in the metabolism or breakdown of fats. Something goes wrong in this process of metabolism, but it is still not known what does cause fat to build-up in the liver. It is known that fat accumulates in the liver with a number of conditions. The most common is obesity. Fatty liver is also associated with diabetes mellitus, high blood triglycerides, and the heavy use of alcohol. It may occur with certain illnesses such as tuberculosis and malnutrition, intestinal bypass surgery for obesity, excess vitamin A in the body, or the use of certain drugs such as valproic acid (trade names: Depakene/Depakote) and corticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone). Sometimes fatty liver occurs as a complication of pregnancy.
[This message has been edited by zip2play (edited 10-20-2003).]
I'm glad you are on a uric acid lowering med (allopurinol?), I'll bet it will help your knees. Have it remoeasured soon and make sure it's below 6.0. You might need that drug a LONG time...like forever. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder that simply happens to some people...and some families.
You know, of course, that a most common reason for fatty liver is chemical poisoning...usually sustained alcoholism. :(
But other causes abound:
Cause
It would seem logical that eating fatty foods would cause a fatty liver, but this is not the case. The liver does play an important role in the metabolism or breakdown of fats. Something goes wrong in this process of metabolism, but it is still not known what does cause fat to build-up in the liver. It is known that fat accumulates in the liver with a number of conditions. The most common is obesity. Fatty liver is also associated with diabetes mellitus, high blood triglycerides, and the heavy use of alcohol. It may occur with certain illnesses such as tuberculosis and malnutrition, intestinal bypass surgery for obesity, excess vitamin A in the body, or the use of certain drugs such as valproic acid (trade names: Depakene/Depakote) and corticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone). Sometimes fatty liver occurs as a complication of pregnancy.
[This message has been edited by zip2play (edited 10-20-2003).]
fwa1981
10-20-2003, 03:42 PM
hello zip2play,
Well, 7.1 mg/dl is the highest i scored on a uric acid test. But previous tests have indicated scores like 6.7 and 6.8 mg/dl, so yes i do lie in the higher normal range(but there is one thing worth noting; i have never fasted four hours before testing).
I never have had a single pint in my life (cos alcohol is prohibited in my religion) so this writes off alcoholism as a probable cause.
Moreover, according to my recent test triglycerides are 128 mg/dl. Previously they were 151. My total lipids are 870 mg/dl (as compared 970 in the last test).
As a matter of fact even my total cholesterol (at present 220 mg/dl and previously 231mg/dl), HDL (at present 44 mg/dl and previously 41mg/dl) and LDL (at present 148mg/dl and previously 160 mg/dl) have improved somewhat if not drastically. But the bottom line is that i still lie in the danger zone.
What should be the optimal levels of t.cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides and t.lipids? And how long does it take to bring down levels?
Also in order to reduce uric acid besides taking allopurinal what dietary changes should i make? I know that i should foods high in purine. But the prob is that i cant find a comprehensive listing foods according to their purine levels. Can u please help me in this regard.
Thanks.
Well, 7.1 mg/dl is the highest i scored on a uric acid test. But previous tests have indicated scores like 6.7 and 6.8 mg/dl, so yes i do lie in the higher normal range(but there is one thing worth noting; i have never fasted four hours before testing).
I never have had a single pint in my life (cos alcohol is prohibited in my religion) so this writes off alcoholism as a probable cause.
Moreover, according to my recent test triglycerides are 128 mg/dl. Previously they were 151. My total lipids are 870 mg/dl (as compared 970 in the last test).
As a matter of fact even my total cholesterol (at present 220 mg/dl and previously 231mg/dl), HDL (at present 44 mg/dl and previously 41mg/dl) and LDL (at present 148mg/dl and previously 160 mg/dl) have improved somewhat if not drastically. But the bottom line is that i still lie in the danger zone.
What should be the optimal levels of t.cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides and t.lipids? And how long does it take to bring down levels?
Also in order to reduce uric acid besides taking allopurinal what dietary changes should i make? I know that i should foods high in purine. But the prob is that i cant find a comprehensive listing foods according to their purine levels. Can u please help me in this regard.
Thanks.
cutup
10-20-2003, 07:54 PM
Originally posted by fwa1981:
Are the figures too bad???
How can i go about reducing these figures???
[/b]
They are not good for someone age 22, but there are some things you can do to turn it around. Exercise to raise your HDL. You want it to be about 55. My doctor recommends 40 minutes of exercise 3 days a week to raise HDL. Some people have trouble getting this # up. My brother has been taking niacin and still can't get it up to a good range even with exercise. To lower you LDL start reading labels and choose items that have no saturated fats. Fast food is full of it and also transfats which you will find in french fries, doughtnuts and are in prepared foods for added shelf life. Read ingredients and stay away from foods that say partially hydrogenated.
[This message has been edited by cutup (edited 10-20-2003).]
Are the figures too bad???
How can i go about reducing these figures???
[/b]
They are not good for someone age 22, but there are some things you can do to turn it around. Exercise to raise your HDL. You want it to be about 55. My doctor recommends 40 minutes of exercise 3 days a week to raise HDL. Some people have trouble getting this # up. My brother has been taking niacin and still can't get it up to a good range even with exercise. To lower you LDL start reading labels and choose items that have no saturated fats. Fast food is full of it and also transfats which you will find in french fries, doughtnuts and are in prepared foods for added shelf life. Read ingredients and stay away from foods that say partially hydrogenated.
[This message has been edited by cutup (edited 10-20-2003).]
fwa1981
10-20-2003, 10:41 PM
hello cutup,
thanx for replying.
Well will 25 minutes of walking each day do the trick for me? (40 minutes may be too much regarding the fact that i have chondromalacia in my knees).
thanx for replying.
Well will 25 minutes of walking each day do the trick for me? (40 minutes may be too much regarding the fact that i have chondromalacia in my knees).
cutup
10-20-2003, 10:56 PM
The problem with only walking 25 minutes per day as I understand it is that about the first 20 minutes you are not burning fat, but using what your body always has readily available. After about 20 minutes you begin to burn up the stored fats.
This is not to say that walking 25 minutes per day is not heart healthy just that it will not burn up stored fats.
[This message has been edited by cutup (edited 10-20-2003).]
This is not to say that walking 25 minutes per day is not heart healthy just that it will not burn up stored fats.
[This message has been edited by cutup (edited 10-20-2003).]
fwa1981
10-22-2003, 04:37 AM
i went to a hepatolgist and he diagnosed me with staetohepatitis.
He prescribed me allopurinol (300 mg for the first 2-3 weeks and 100 mg for the 3 weeks ending), Ursofalk (ursodeoxycholic acid) and Evion 400 mg (vitamin E).
Are these drugs safe and should i continue with them for treating my excessive uric acid, fatty liver and high SGPT/ALT and high cholesterol respectively.
He prescribed me allopurinol (300 mg for the first 2-3 weeks and 100 mg for the 3 weeks ending), Ursofalk (ursodeoxycholic acid) and Evion 400 mg (vitamin E).
Are these drugs safe and should i continue with them for treating my excessive uric acid, fatty liver and high SGPT/ALT and high cholesterol respectively.
pcovers
10-22-2003, 08:35 AM
I have read several references in this thread about lowering your LDL numbers and how to do it. Keep in mind that the only way to lower LDL is one of the three options.
1. Raise Trigs (not a great idea)
2. Raise HDL (good idea)
3. Lower total cholesterol (also, good idea)
In 99% of all cases, LDL is not a separate number. It is simply a by-product calculation from the above three numbers. So, to talk about how to reduce LDL is one step away from how it really is reduced.
Either raise your HDL or lower your total. However you choose to accomplish one or both of these will determine how much your LDL is lowered.
1. Raise Trigs (not a great idea)
2. Raise HDL (good idea)
3. Lower total cholesterol (also, good idea)
In 99% of all cases, LDL is not a separate number. It is simply a by-product calculation from the above three numbers. So, to talk about how to reduce LDL is one step away from how it really is reduced.
Either raise your HDL or lower your total. However you choose to accomplish one or both of these will determine how much your LDL is lowered.
zip2play
10-22-2003, 10:15 AM
fwa,
You mentioned you NEVER had a fasting test done. First order of business is get a lipid panel WITH a 12 hour fast. A non-fasting test simply cannot yield useful results since it can't be compared with any standards.
On the gout. I've had it for decades. Take the allopurinol (it will get you into the 4 range for uric acid) and forget about food avoidance. It simply has no effect.
Before allopurinol, gout eventually and slowly killed it's suffers by kidney failure no matter WHAT they ate....ask Henry VIII! :D
After a while you can fiddle the dose....I get by with 200 mg. (Only one attack in 10 years)
Allopurinol is a little-touted MIRACLE DRUG!
You mentioned you NEVER had a fasting test done. First order of business is get a lipid panel WITH a 12 hour fast. A non-fasting test simply cannot yield useful results since it can't be compared with any standards.
On the gout. I've had it for decades. Take the allopurinol (it will get you into the 4 range for uric acid) and forget about food avoidance. It simply has no effect.
Before allopurinol, gout eventually and slowly killed it's suffers by kidney failure no matter WHAT they ate....ask Henry VIII! :D
After a while you can fiddle the dose....I get by with 200 mg. (Only one attack in 10 years)
Allopurinol is a little-touted MIRACLE DRUG!
fwa1981
10-22-2003, 05:28 PM
zip2play,
You are getting it wrong; i dont have gout. Infact i never had gout but rather chondromalacia like condition. High uric acid levels do make me a candidate but thankfully i am not diagnosed with gout. Neither do i suffer gout symtoms.And besides as u mentioned testing without fasting yields unreliable results.
Anyway besides taking allopurinol (which i am already taking) what else can i do to lower my cholesterol? Will taking omega 3 fatty oils help? What about Turmeric?
I also dont agree with u that food avoidance wont help. Cos if i avoid high fat items surely my cholesterol will lower. However, as regards uric well yes i somewhat agree with you.
You are getting it wrong; i dont have gout. Infact i never had gout but rather chondromalacia like condition. High uric acid levels do make me a candidate but thankfully i am not diagnosed with gout. Neither do i suffer gout symtoms.And besides as u mentioned testing without fasting yields unreliable results.
Anyway besides taking allopurinol (which i am already taking) what else can i do to lower my cholesterol? Will taking omega 3 fatty oils help? What about Turmeric?
I also dont agree with u that food avoidance wont help. Cos if i avoid high fat items surely my cholesterol will lower. However, as regards uric well yes i somewhat agree with you.
pcovers
10-22-2003, 05:38 PM
Originally posted by fwa1981:
I also dont agree with u that food avoidance wont help. Cos if i avoid high fat items surely my cholesterol will lower.
I think zip2play was relating food avoidance with the gout issue, not cholesterol.
I also dont agree with u that food avoidance wont help. Cos if i avoid high fat items surely my cholesterol will lower.
I think zip2play was relating food avoidance with the gout issue, not cholesterol.
cutup
10-22-2003, 07:59 PM
Originally posted by pcovers:
In 99% of all cases, LDL is not a separate number. It is simply a by-product calculation from the above three numbers. So, to talk about how to reduce LDL is one step away from how it really is reduced.
pcovers I think you are referring to my posts. I should have said how to lower your total cholesterol which in turn would lower the LDL. Either way the diet low in saturated fats and transfat should help.
In 99% of all cases, LDL is not a separate number. It is simply a by-product calculation from the above three numbers. So, to talk about how to reduce LDL is one step away from how it really is reduced.
pcovers I think you are referring to my posts. I should have said how to lower your total cholesterol which in turn would lower the LDL. Either way the diet low in saturated fats and transfat should help.
fwa1981
10-23-2003, 08:35 AM
Nobody replied to my question whether omega 3 fatty oils, turmeric, and other stuff such as vitamins A & D will help or not.
I would highly appreciate a reply. Thanks
I would highly appreciate a reply. Thanks
pcovers
10-23-2003, 09:36 AM
Omega 3 (fish oil - EPA and DHA) have demonstrated benefits in raising HDL. I am not aware of any clinical evidence that omega-3 lowers total cholesterol. I have not seen any clinical evidence that turmeric or vitamins A or D have any effect on cholesterol numbers.
Some things you may want to consider are policosanol (do a search, there is tons of info on this), lecithin, stanols/sterols, exercise, weight loss.
Some things you may want to consider are policosanol (do a search, there is tons of info on this), lecithin, stanols/sterols, exercise, weight loss.
fwa1981
10-23-2003, 12:29 PM
Originally posted by pcovers:
Some things you may want to consider are policosanol (do a search, there is tons of info on this), lecithin, stanols/sterols, exercise, weight loss.
Can u please suggest me some good links?
Some things you may want to consider are policosanol (do a search, there is tons of info on this), lecithin, stanols/sterols, exercise, weight loss.
Can u please suggest me some good links?
NaomiLedbetter
10-23-2003, 01:09 PM
If you have a Whole Foods Market near you, Policosanol is 40% off right now ($11.09 for 60 tabs).
[This message has been edited by NaomiLedbetter (edited 10-23-2003).]
[This message has been edited by NaomiLedbetter (edited 10-23-2003).]
pcovers
10-23-2003, 04:22 PM
Originally posted by fwa1981:
Can u please suggest me some good links?
I would be happy to seggest a research method.
www.google.com (http://www.google.com)
Use a + sign before any single word and quotes around any combination of words. For example:
+cholesterol +policosanol +research
all together in the search box. Consider what you are wanting to research and narrow it down to three or four key terms.
Can u please suggest me some good links?
I would be happy to seggest a research method.
www.google.com (http://www.google.com)
Use a + sign before any single word and quotes around any combination of words. For example:
+cholesterol +policosanol +research
all together in the search box. Consider what you are wanting to research and narrow it down to three or four key terms.
fwa1981
10-25-2003, 04:40 PM
I have been to a gastroentologist and he diagnosed me with staetohepatitis (I have an ALT of 122 and also a fatty liver). He has prescribed me ursofalk (known as actigall in the US) and evion (vitamin E) 400 mg by Merck to treat both my high cholesterol and staetohepatitis.
What do you ppl think about these drugs? Are they safe? and what are their possible side effects???
P.S In addition to these two i also take allopurinol 300 mg to lower down my uric acid (which at present is 7.1). Should i lower the dosage to 100mg or is 300mg ok???
Thankz
What do you ppl think about these drugs? Are they safe? and what are their possible side effects???
P.S In addition to these two i also take allopurinol 300 mg to lower down my uric acid (which at present is 7.1). Should i lower the dosage to 100mg or is 300mg ok???
Thankz
fwa1981
10-26-2003, 10:23 AM
no replies so far....
I would be highly obliged if someone replies...
I would be highly obliged if someone replies...
pcovers
10-26-2003, 01:25 PM
Originally posted by fwa1981:
no replies so far....
I would be highly obliged if someone replies...
(Actigall safety/efficacy/contraindications/use) http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/a/Actigallcap.htm
Evion, as you note, is simply pharmaceutical grade Vitamin E. Vitamin E is well tolerated.
With all due respect, you indicate you are taking allopurinol @ 300mg and are asking if you should lower this to 100mg. I think it is a great idea to solicit opinions from others, but I hope you don't actually lower your prescribed medication based on the opinion of a random poster to a health forum
I would reiterate that I think, in your circumstance, it would assist your personal situation significantly to do internet research on these unique questions and find cited articles that address these.
A google search will provide you with many clinical research based articles. What you will find here on your very specific health questions is quite a bit removed from being validated and empirical data.
no replies so far....
I would be highly obliged if someone replies...
(Actigall safety/efficacy/contraindications/use) http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/a/Actigallcap.htm
Evion, as you note, is simply pharmaceutical grade Vitamin E. Vitamin E is well tolerated.
With all due respect, you indicate you are taking allopurinol @ 300mg and are asking if you should lower this to 100mg. I think it is a great idea to solicit opinions from others, but I hope you don't actually lower your prescribed medication based on the opinion of a random poster to a health forum
I would reiterate that I think, in your circumstance, it would assist your personal situation significantly to do internet research on these unique questions and find cited articles that address these.
A google search will provide you with many clinical research based articles. What you will find here on your very specific health questions is quite a bit removed from being validated and empirical data.
fwa1981
10-26-2003, 03:03 PM
i get ur point.
Thanx
Thanx