Cholesterol

[A.M.]

I am a 48 year old male with 252 Cholesterol total (HDL = 44, LDL = 182) Triglyceride = 128.  I've just had a Heart scan and have a total score of "0" (no identifiable plaque).  My
cardio CRP is 2.4 (Average Cardiovascular risk).  Homocysteine is 9.6 (normal results).  

My physician wants to put me on a statin mediaction.  My question is: If my heart scan shows no plaque at 48 years old, if my Cardio CRP is average, and my homocysteine is
normal - do I need a statin?  I'd prefer to have a heart scan every 2 years to monitor plaque and take the statin if there is any evidence of plaque.  FYI, I exercise vigorously 4 days/week for 30 minutes or more & carefully monitor saturated fat, carbohydrate & cholesterol intake.

Thank you,
Anthony

[jimmyb]

I am a 47 year old male with a history of cholesterol just under 200. However, my last readng came in about 215. I am very active, exercising 6 days a week, and echos and all other tests have shown no problems with my heart. My doctor wanted me to wait a few months and come in for another test, while cutting down my fat intake. I have a pretty good diet, but am working even harder to eat healthy. Should I be concerned about my level? Men in my family have a history of needing bypass surgery by the time they are in their mid 60's, but most of them had poor diet with very little exercise. Bottom line question, if a higher than normal cholesterol reading is the only negative factor, is that a matter of concern?

[3rdMajor]

Hi Anthony,
   What kind of scan gives such an accurate account of Coronary Artery Disease?
Total cholesterol above 200 is considered a risk factor for heart disease.
The latest and greatest studies (funded by the statin Mfrs, no doubt), indicate there is a statistically significant benefit from taking a statin.

[kate38]

Anthony,

Is this your first High reading?

If so maybe your physician would allow you 3 or maybe 6 months to attempt to get it under control on your own, before having to take meds. Sounds like your in  pretty good health,already.

However,this would aleast buy you a little more time to consider your options. Also you might possible get some names of medication your physician is considering putting you on and do a little reseach,lots of  great sites over the internet about cholesterol and statins.


Have a great day
:)K

[Dr. Erik]

Take the Statin. It reduces the chance of having a heart attack even in people with normal cholesterol. And your LDL is high. You will always be at a higher risk with that LDL. Remember, as you get older your body loses its ability to fight off diseases such as heart disease.Good luck!

[marina*]

Hello everyone,

Before you know it,everyone will be taking cholesterol lower drugs. At least that's what it seems like anyway.

What are the guidelines for prescribing Statins.
Can someone tell me?


Thanks

[Cleveland Clinic]

anthony,

thanks for the post.

There are specific guidelines generated to institute statin therapy. I'm not sure of some of your other risk factors such as smoking status and family history but the guidlines are located on the web at:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/

It is important to remember these guidlines do not take into account other factors such as CRP. Personally I would feel better if your CRP were also in the first quartile of risk (low risk <1.0)

While you are doing alot of correct things, the facts are you have a high LDL cholesterol and a level of CRP that is above the lowest risk group. I would be very aggressive in treating this to lower your cardiovascular risk as much as possible.  Remember, these are risk markers and by the basic information you provide, your risk is above average.

Heart scans show calcium that is a sign of organized plaque. It is feasible and probable that you have noncalcified plaque that is not seen on the CT scan and I would not assume that you have 'clean' coronaries just based on the CT scan.  

Statin drugs have alot of effects other then just lowering your cholesterol, (ie..they may be antiinflammatory and lower CRP and may have some effect on the prevention of senile dementia), I would strongly consider instituting statin therapy based on the information you provide, even though it may not strictly fall in the guidelines.

good luck and keep up your active lifestyle!