Posted by CCF CARDIO MD-APS on December 18, 1997 at 18:00:33:

In Reply to: Cholesterol treatment posted by Lynn P. on December 10, 1997 at 18:56:22:

: I am a 52 YO, WF, light exercisor (walking), non-smoker, very light drinker
(wine only) in basically good health, except for high blood pressure, controlled
with 25mg Atenolol once a day. Have had problems with heart palpitations/pre-beats,
but they are pretty much under control with the Atenolol and staying away from
caffein. Also am on HRT - .625mg estrogen (had hysterectomy @ age 28).

Last year my total cholesterol reading was 238, but my Dr. was not concerned
as my other numbers were great (I do not now have those numbers). I was not too
thrilled over the # so I took dietary steps to try to lower it. This year,
upon retesting, the numbers were no better, despite vast dietary changes.
Total Cholest. 258; HDL 51; LDL 179; Trig. 135. As "show me" proof for my
Dr., I have kept a log of all food eaten on a daily basis for the past month.
But no surprises here, as it is what I haave been eating for the past year.
I eat little red meat, no sausage, eggs or bacon, no fried foods and avoid
fast foods. Total fat consumption is nearly always under 30 grams a day with
cholesterol in the 60-100 mg range - and often less. Total fat consumption
is always below 25% and often closer to 20% with caloric intake between
900-1400 per day.

How long does it take to effect a drop in the numbers? Again, my Dr. is not
concerned over the numbers and has taken me off Zocor (prescribed during her
medical absence by a colleague.) I have no signs of heart disease per a
recent stress test and cardiograms, but I am concerned as my mother also has
high cholesterol along with heart disease (heart attack 7 years ago at age 65,
two angios, the most recent with stents inserted & is also taking a statin drug,
aspirin and estrogen.) Should I be seeking another opinion at this point?

Thank you for your consideration of my questions.------Dear Lynn, excuse the format but there is not much room for me to type in my answer. Simply put you should seek another opinion, a patient always should seek a second opinion if there is uncertainty regarding treatment.
There have been quite a few studies regarding the treatment of high cholesterol in patients without coronary artery disease and in general they have shown a significant benefit manifest as reduction of first MI (HEART ATTACK). Since the risks of taking a drug like zocor are
true but minimal most patients should be considered highly for such treatment, especially those who have tried a reduction by dietary restriction as you obviously have done. It is as yet open to debate but there seem to be quite a few other benefits of cholesterol lowering
drugs in those with elevated levels, for instance less strokes and deaths were observed in those taking cholesterol lowering drugs. I hope that I have helped you to better understand your situation. Inquire again if you have further questions and if The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
is where you seek your second opinion, you can just call 1-800-CCF-CARE and ask for an appointment in the prevention clinic with Drs. Foody or Sprecher.
Information provided in the Cardiology Forum is intended for informational purposes only, any diagnosis or treatment can only be made by your physician(s).