High HDL does'nt it matter? Labs inclosed - High Cholesterol Message Board

Benzi · 01-31-2005, 09:40 AM

I am wondering why I have to go on Lipitor 40mg once a day? I thought a high HDL helped with the other high numbers:
LAbs
LDL 182 high >160
Total 272 high > 240
HDL 61 (thought it could not be too high) desirable < 35
Trig 147 Desirable under <200
I do have a fatty liver with no other reason except high cholesterol, I do not drink. ( 1 or 2 a YEAR), Am not overweight, DO HAVE high platelet count that runs around 500 always. I am scared to start taking the Lipitor because before, when my cholesterol skyrocketted to 550 they gave it to me and it made me dizzy. PCP says to take it at night but I really hate to take ANYTHING. I lowered my cholesterol from 550 to what it is now with diet and PCP says it will not go lower without drugs, as mine is the inherited type. I am not sure where PCP got this information that he included in his letter to me, because I thought Trig should be lower than 200 so any ideas.....

Lenin · 01-31-2005, 01:00 PM

Benzi, HDL is protective but yours isn;t high enough to protect against an LDL of 182.

With familial hyspertension, you;ve done a wonderful job of lowering the numbers as low as you have them but I think a statin is necessary to get you down more.

Don't be frightened, after all there are many millions of preople popping these things every day. If they were so awful, they'd be long gone.

HubbleRules · 01-31-2005, 06:12 PM

Benzi,

I'd be concerned about a 40mg dose of Lipitor - that is very high dose. If you do go on it, be very aware of any muscle pain/weakness you may experience and report it to your doctor immediately. Also be sure to have blood drawn to test how your liver is reacting to the Lipitor when the doctor recommends (usually after the first 3 months).

Statins have helped reduce LDL in many patients (not very effective at increasing HDL), but for those who can't tolerate them, the side effects can be severe and irreversible.

I'm surprised your doctor is starting you with such a high dose given your Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio (below 4.6 is usually considered OK). This ratio is more important than the total chol count. I wish I had your HDL number - mine is lower, which is not good.

Have you suggested to your doctor starting with a lower dose (like 10mg) and seeing how you do???

I'd consider taking CoQ10 supplements if you are going on a statin - because they are known to deplete this nutrient from the blood and tissue.

HubbleRules

Benzi · 02-02-2005, 10:03 AM

Thanks for the info everyone. I have been trying to post a message but they are all lost on the information highway LoL. I am wondering if this may have something to do with my pancrea's which was injured in a car accident in 1989. I almost died and was in the hospital for 9 weeks. I am waiting on medical records now so I may have more questions later.

NineLives · 02-02-2005, 12:07 PM

I agree with Lenin. Your HDL is good but isn't high enough to be protective with the high LDL. I would also question the Trigs being desirable under 200. According to the references I have that level should be below 160.
I've been on a statin for almost 3 years now. I've not had any problems with it. I'm on 40 mg Zocor, but am thinking about switching to Vytorin which is a combination Zocor and Zetia. My brother is on it and has seen good increases in his HDL. He has struggled for 2 years to get that number up.