What labs are taken? - High Cholesterol Message Board

Iloveturtles · 09-21-2005, 09:27 PM

What blood tests are usually taken to check your liver enzyme levels to see if they are elevated while on Lipitor? My doctor ordered CPK, LFT and CMP lab tests because I am experiencing bad muscle pains and fatigue. Does anyone know if these tests will reveal if there is something else going on in my system? Also, how long does it take for the lipitor to get out of your system? I was on 10 mg and I stopped taking it five days ago and my pain is about the same

Thanks

Moxie75 · 09-22-2005, 07:42 AM

the CMP will reveal your liver enzymes...Lisa

Lenin · 09-23-2005, 07:00 AM

LFT is short for liver function test and will measure your ALT, AST, serum bilirubin and a couple others. It's a good indicator of liver health.

heart44 · 09-23-2005, 07:06 PM

CPK is a blood test that measures creatine phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme found predominantly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. When the total CPK level is substantially elevated, it usually indicates injury or stress to one or more of these areas.

Re: Also, how long does it take for the lipitor to get out of your system?
Depending on how long you took Lipitor, it can take up to 2 years to totally get out of your system. 5 days isn't long enough to see significant improvement, especially if you have muscle damage.

If you are not taking CoQ10, you should start taking a minimum of 100mg daily. Lipitor (and all statins) deplete CoQ10 and probably one of the main reasons you are experiencing muscle pain. Every cell in our bodies need CoQ10, a vitamin-like fat-soluble antioxidant, especially our heart and brain.

What are your cholesterol levels?
LDL
HDL
Triglycerides
Do you have any other risk factors?

Frankie