Cholesteral Management Ventricular Ectopic Beats

[medking]

I am a 38 yr old male, non-smoker, 174 lbs, 5 ft 9 inch,  occassional excercise, good diet (although you would never know it considering cholesteral results)I have some family history of heart disease, father 62 has LVH due to yrs of undetected high blood pressure ... I have three questions: Firstly, my cholesteral results lately seem to concern me: In Feb 2000, my results were: TC-184, HDL-37.4, LDL- 124.53, Trigl-49.  In March of 2003 results were: TC-208, HDL-49.2, LDL-144, Trigl-31. Finally, in Sept 2003 my resuls were: TC-214, HDL-43, LDL-149, Trigl-48. First question: do these results require medication? I would prefer not to go this route, what would be the three main actions to improve my cholesteral readings?

Second, ECHO results for the last three yrs - all normal. LV Ejection Fraction was >60%.  I have been getting VPC's since I was 26 but really started to act up at 31.  I also suffer with some anxiety due to this condition. I have had several Holters- one registered 2000 VPC in 24 hrs, the other three holters had less than 20 in one, 2 in another and about 150 VPC's in another. For the most part, I usually get an episode of VPC's every 4-5 months (maybe) 100-250 in that day mainly driven because of an anticipated stressful event. Other than that I may get a few per wk that I notice. I sometimes get the odd VPC during excercise but rare. By the way, all stress tests done - 3 done - all normal. Lateley however, I noticed that from time to time a may get 2 or 3 VPC in a row when I am in a anxious like mode. My cardio says not to be concerned at all. Should I?

[Ianna]

Read this: http://www.ravnskov.nu/ncep_guidelines
Very revealing....

[medking]

Thanks Doctors for reviewing my stats, I ran out of room ....

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Medking,

Thanks for the post, your majesty.

(1) Check out the http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/
website.
You don't meet any criteria to start on medicines based on the info provided.  The main things you can do to address your lipid profile is to (1) regularly exercise, (2) lose 10 pounds, and (3) think good thoughts.  Avoidance of alcohol helps some people as well.

(2) Based on the information you provided I would not be concerned about the VPCs.  I would, however, be concerned about your apprehension and preoccupation with your heart.  Seeking counseling or therapy for this anxiety may help you considerably.  I think that some of the readers, and you seem to fit this bill, have an OCD-like disorder that may be quite debilitating.  Think about how often you think about your heart.  If it is very frequent, you may wish to seek counseling.

Good luck.