Should I take Lipitor?

[inacarr57]

History: September 2006, my cholesterol #'s were as follows: TC=272, LDL=177.2, HDL=72 and Trig=109.

Last Friday, the results of my cholestrol test were as follows: TC=215, LDL=138.6, HDL=51, and Trig=127.

I achieved those results through diet and excercise. I took garlic, fish oil, and plant sterols daily. I also eat a lot of oatmeal. I took red yeast rice for about 2 weeks, but discontinued in March.

The doctor mailed me the latest results with a prescription for Lipitor 20 mg. and instructions to take once daily and repeat test in 3 months. Needless to say, I was shocked to be prescribed Lipitor. But I'm wondering if anyone out there thinks this would be advisable given my current numbers and willingness to continue working on it? I am 50 years old, post menopausal, about 50 lbs overweight, recently diagnosed with hypertension and on Inderal, and father died at age 48 of heart attack. Comments or suggestions are appreciated.

[Imacarbuff]

I was about to say "no Way" to the Lipitor....until I read that you are 50 pounds overwieght, diagnosed with hypertension ( which I think is a bigger issue than the weight) and having your father die at age 48 of a heart attack. I would however see if your Dr would go for starting at 10mg of Lipitor at least for 3 mos until your next bloodwork comes back.

From what I've read, (too late to save myself from some of the side effects that statins MAY cause anyone) many problems can be avoided by taking a smaller dose. When I was on Lipitor (20mg) it brought my cholesterol down to 130 (total) Which many think is simply too low. I became extremely weak and had many muscle aches. Maybe 10mg could bring your numbers where they need to be and you could perhaps avoid any side effects-and save some money also.

[NHone]

No, I would not take them. Continue with what you are doing. Add fish oil to you supplements, and also add Coq10 at least 200 mg. Work on the weight and work on the blood pressure. Watch the garlic with some blood pressure medications. ( i know coreg is one of them)...reduces the effects. Blood pressure is a known cause to damage in the arteries. cholesterol just tries to patch them up (amoung the many things you body needs it for). If you still damage the arteries and don't have anything to patch it, you're gonna be in trouble.

[inacarr57]

Thanks for advice. Actually, my blood pressure is under control on inderal averaging under 120/70. I am working on my weight and am seeing a gradual decrease. What does Coq10 do?

[inacarr57]

Just read your other posts on Coq10, so I have a better understanding now.