need help on my LDL !

[larry2000]

i have always had high cholesterol but have been able to reduce my
tg and increase my hdl. my LDL has remained high at around 170.
i have been on niaspan for 6 weeks. had a blood test and the LDL
did not budge. i have also been taking fish oils.
my doctor told me to finish the niaspan and take another test. if no
improvement, i'm sure he will push a statin drug which i would prefer not
to take. any ideas on why my LDL will not come down? what else can
i try?


larry

[dmwojnar]

Hi Larry -

I lowered my LDL from 195 to 158 by adding bran to my diet and also by walking five days a week for approximately 50 minutes. I know it is not a huge drop, but it is better than nothing. I would like to add that even with the exercise, my HDL hasn't increased past the mid 30's range.

As far as the bran, I make homemade bran muffins and eat two a day. Also, I do watch my fat and cholesterol intake. However, I was watching what I ate before adding the bran to my diet, so I really do think it is the bran that made an impact on the numbers.

If you want the recipe for the muffins, I'll be happy to post it. Otherwise, just add some form of soluble fiber to your diet.

Best of luck to you.

[larry2000]

dmwojnar - are you taking any meds for to lower your ldl?
i do take a fair amount of fiber but diet does not seem
to make much difference in my case. i have inreased
exercise and it has lowered my tg and increased my
hdl to 53.


larry

[dmwojnar]

Hi Larry -

No I am not taking any meds to lower my LDL. I have bought a niacin supplement, but I have been afraid to take it. If you read other posts, it appears that many people have had some luck with niacin and red yeast rice.

Well, if your already eating a good deal of fiber, I don't know what else to say. My guess would be Arizona or Lenin might have some advice for you.

Good Luck!

[sunbird_owner]

My LDL went from 180 to 150 with 2 x Red Rice Yeast per day (actually at night).

Jay