Just diagnosed hi/chol - High Cholesterol Message Board

jane bauer · 03-08-2006, 03:21 PM

My doctor just called with my cholesterol readings: Total: 267, Tri 219,
HDL 68, LDL 155. He wants to put me on 20mg Lovastatin.
I am terrified of the possible side effects of statins.

My overall ratio is 3.9 and I thought that was very good.

Also, I have a couple drinks each night before dinner. I heard statins affect the liver. Would the combination of statins and alcohol be dangerous?

With my ratio is 3.9 I don't feel like I even need meds.
Any thoughts, please.
Thanks.
Jane

JaneM · 03-08-2006, 04:16 PM

Jane, you have a great HDL!

Are you currently following a diet that, in many people, naturally lowers cholesterol? If not, there are some great suggestions on this board and on other sites if you want to try that before medication.

Also, when LDL is elevated in women, there is a chance it may be caused by a thyroid problem. This seems to hit women more when we approach middle age. A thyroid test should always be done on women before beginning cholesterol medicine, in my opinion.

jane bauer · 03-08-2006, 05:13 PM

Thanks for the replies.
I have been tested for thyroid, no problems there.

My husband has serious heart disease and I have cooked low cholesterol for 20 years. I do eat too much cheese. No sweets or desserts though. Maybe 10 pounds over weight.

Three years ago they did an angiogram on me because of false/positive stress test. The cardiologist said my arteries were in great shape. That also leads me to believe I don't need drugs for cholesterol.

I am really leaning toward throwing away the prescription. I will look up the health food route. Any information on that will be appreciated.

Spin444 · 03-08-2006, 05:25 PM

My Dad just quit taking Lovastatin after I sent him reams of info on the problems that it and other statins can cause.

Try eating whole oats each morning in the form of Cheerios or oatmeal. Take a vitamin C each day, at least 500 mgs. Cut down on the cheese and maybe just one drink a day, although none is best. Some have talked about niacin, but I don't know much about it. Fresh fruits and vegetables, daily, are important to vascular health. Cut down on or eliminate fast food burgers, fries, etc.

Good luck.

Stumper · 03-08-2006, 07:49 PM

Jane,

That will be decision you will have to make. Personally I would take the Statin but only take 1/2 of what they tell you, and adjust the rest through diet.

I have a book here that states that nearly ALL cardiologists past the age of 40 are now ELECTIVELY taking statins due to all the plugged arteries they see in their profession. They see statins as a true deterrent.