Cholesterol

  I had a cholesterol check and my cholesterol was 236. I am 25 years old. My doctor is sending me to a lipid doctor when I asked him why he said something about my liver enzymes being high(I'm not sure it was enzymes but it was liver something)and didn't explain it any further and just walked out. I feel very concerned. Is this something to be concerned about. Does this mean there is something wrong with my liver. I take clonidine,nadolol and flovent can medications make these numbers high. I am at a normal weight, but don't exercise. I have asthma and a high heart rate upon standing. I don't have an appointment with the lipid doctor until may. can you please give me information on the liver and cholesterol. Thank you
  Heather

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Heather, thank you for your question.  Medications that are used to treat high cholesterol levels act in the liver to interfere with the metabolism of cholesterol.  Thus, we always check blood tests called liver function tests/enzymes before starting these medications (known as statins) to make sure there is no underlying liver disorder that is not known.  These routine blood tests can indicate a problem if elevated, but it's not that simple.  Since I don't know the values of your tests, I can't comment on the findings.  If the liver is not functioning normally, then cholesterol-lowering medications are often not used.  Since you are so young, diet and exercise may be an option at this point to treat your elevated cholesterol level.  I would need to know your entire cholesterol breakdown to comment on the recommendations that you've received.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
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