Cholesterol with High CRP results - Questions

[24WF]

Hello,

I am 41 years old, 5'7" and 190 pounds, and just had a physical and blood test completed. The following results came back:

Total Cholesterol 194 (don't remember the ratio of LDL to HDL)
TriGlycerides 197
BP 150/90
C-Reactive Protein 3.7 (CRP)
all other tests were normal ...

The doctor says my CRP test results show that I am at High Risk for early Heart attack. Because of this, he has strongly recommended the use of Lavostatin in addition to weight loss, baby aspirin, and a low-salt diet.

I have been reading a lot about the "statin" meds and would really like to avoid drugs if possible. With this in mind, I have two questions:

1. With CRP results as listed above, should I be seriously looking at using the statins even though there are potentially bad side-effects?

2. If not, what are the most effective suppliments I can take to reduce my LDL and raise my HDL levels?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

thanks!

[JacquelineL]

If your total cholesterol is 194, then it may be that your numbers are not bad at all. We need to know what your HDL is to know for sure. I would recommend a low carb diet to lower the triglycerides and probably the LDL level as well as likely reduce your weight.

[24WF]

JacquelineL,

Thanks for the response. I spoke with the Dr. this afternoon and realize I had a few numbers wrong. This is the update:

Total Cholesterol 194
LDL = 40 , HDL = 121
TriGlycerides 167
BP 150/90
C-Reactive Protein 3.7 (CRP) (Quintile 4: High-risk 2.1 to 3.8 mg/L for Heart Attack/Disease)

The Dr. said "research shows that a high CRP score dictates using a statin-based med to reduce Cholesterol and reduce the risks of premature heart attack." He also said that if I didn't have a high CRP score, my Cholesterol was basically normal, but with the high CRP score my LDL needs to be lowered to below 100.

Another thing I failed to mention earlier is that my father had a heart attack at 40, and this is what prompted me to ask the doctor about a potential issue with my blood pressure being mildly high. That's when he ordered the CRP test.

I just don't want to start with Lavostatin unless it is absolutely necessary. I am looking for a good natural alternative.

Your comments/suggestions are appreciated.

thanks,
ric

[JacquelineL]

It looks like you reversed the LDL and HDL. You don't have far to go to get below 100 LDL. Omega-3 (fish oil) to raise your HDL would certainly be a good idea. It would also help the C-reactive protein according to what I read. A low carb diet, fish oil, and exercise should all help. I don't know very much about the prescribed treatment for this condition, though a very low dose of statin should get your number where the doctor wants it.

[CobaltBlue]

Originally Posted by 24WF

1. With CRP results as listed above, should I be seriously looking at using the statins even though there are potentially bad side-effects?

2. If not, what are the most effective suppliments I can take to reduce my LDL and raise my HDL levels?

Ric,

I would do what Jacqueline suggested and as far as supplements, perhaps try to take an aspirin in the evening before bed. Doing these (weight loss, exercise, aspirin) took my hs-CRP from 1.8 down to 0.11. However, by the first time I had my hs-CRP measured, I had already dropped 30 lbs and started exercising--no telling how high it had been before when I had my MI during my obese and sedentary part of my life.