Higher cholesterol

[Michael8466]

Saw my doctor today and he said my cholesterol was higher than my last lab work which was a month ago. He also said my liver numbers were higher. He thinks it's from the lovastatin he prescribed. Is this possible, can a statin actually give you higher cholesterol and bad liver numbers? He told me to take fish pills, I was already taking them for the past 3 months. I also stopped eating meat for the past 35 days on his orders. I just don't understang this, I'd appreciate any input. Thanks

[Red60]

Michael sorry but I think we need a little more info to help you out.

Do you know what kind of cholesterol test your doctor used? I'm asking because if you ldl is estimated and your TGs are over 300 about the only number that's usefull is the HDL.

Which numbers got worse? HDL? TGs? LDL?
How's your blood sugar? Has it been checked.

If I remember correctly you where going on a vegitarian diet and had very high TGs. Is this correct?

[Michael8466]

Originally Posted by Red60

Michael sorry but I think we need a little more info to help you out.

Do you know what kind of cholesterol test your doctor used? I'm asking because if you ldl is estimated and your TGs are over 300 about the only number that's usefull is the HDL.

Which numbers got worse? HDL? TGs? LDL?
How's your blood sugar? Has it been checked.

If I remember correctly you where going on a vegitarian diet and had very high TGs. Is this correct?

Hey Red, I did go on vegetarian diet and lost 5 pounds, but I'm having trouble quiting carbs.
Here's last months numbers:
TC-173
HDL-34
Tri-571
Glucose is 91 Reference 65-99

Here's new numbers:
TC-142
HDL-35
Tri-607
Glucose is 98 Reference 65-99

I think this is the liver part of the test, I don't understand it though. My doctor didn't have time to explain.

Last Month
ALT (SGPT) 38 Reference 9-60

New Numbers
ALT (SGPT) 65 Reference 9-60

[Red60]

As I stated before the numbers may not be very accurate because of the elevated TGs. And in some cases a persons cholesterol does not respond much to statins. From what I've read that could be an indication of elevated Lp (a) it wouldn't be a bad idea to have an Lp (a) test run if you haven't. And yes Statins can cause liver problems that's the reason your doctor is running the test and it could be you may not be a good canidate for statin theropy.

TGs look to be your biggest problem to me. I would almost bet that if you can somehow manage to get them down everything else will fall into place.

I can think of 3 ways to attack the TGs.

Fish oil.........Considering how high you TGs are I would start with at least 4 grams per day 6 would be better.


Diet...Do you think you could try a low carb diet for 30 days and see what happens. It can be done while still staying vegan. The Raw Food Movement seems a little extreme buy you might be able to borrow something from them.

Niacin......Another proven winner for the entire lipids panel. I know there has been a lot of testing using niacin along with low doseage statins it might be something to discuse with your doctor. If you can tolerate high dosages of niacin then there may not be any need for a statin.

[kingskid]

Go figure. One of the things that can skew readings is dieting. That could very well be your case. You may get a more accurate reading in a few months.