High blood cholestrol

Question

I have been on a beta and calcium channel blocker(metoprolol ER 50mg 
amlodipine 5mg for the past 2 years. My cholestrol and triglyceride levels gone mad from acceptable levels 2 years. The culprit is probable beta blocker.My cholestrol levels are as follows. Units omitted for clarity. 
Total cholestrol 260
HDL=39
LDL-160
tgl-319

with medicine my BP is 140/90. I want to change the medicine. Can changing medicine (beta blocker) to some alpha receptor blocker, ACE inhibitors,receptor blockers possible?would transition be smooth? Please help me in changing my medicine .

erijon · Accepted Answer

Numbers this high are not the result of your beta blockers as they have been shown to only have a minor impact on cholesterol levels if any at all. Studies have shown that some beta blockers can increase triglyceride levels and decrease the level of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The effect of these beta blockers on LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is inconclusive. Some studies have shown reductions in LDL levels, while others have shown increases. The data are inconclusive and I have never heard of anyone having an increased level of cholesterol due to blood pressure meds. Your LDL is very high and HDL is low, I would considers some lifestyle changes that include diet and exercise as well as a statin to help get these numbers down because high cholesterol and high BP are two modifiable risk factors and both will be benefited by diet and exercise.

As far as BP meds go, I'm on Benicar HCT which is a angiotensin II receptor antagonist and it has worked very well for me for many years. Basically, it works by keeping your arteries from becoming stiffened and narrowed. Any change you make should be without symptoms unless you get one that cause too drastic a drop in BP in which case you may feel some side effects like being dizzy or lightheaded.

Hope this helps,

Jon

WMFH · Answer

I had great cholesterol levels until I started taking Metoprolol Tartrate.  Then, the bad skyrocketed while the good plummeted.  I also became very gassy and my bowel movements slowed until I got constipated.  Took myself off the pills for a while (maybe 2-3 months) but am going back on until I see my dr. again to try and figure this out.

erijon · Answer

Niacin is a good start, however on average it only reduces LDL by approx 10% which will still leave the OP with a very high level of LDL, still well above AHA recommendations.

I don't think Niacin (B3) alone will do it. Just my 2 cents............

Jon

dudyjew · Answer

Are you taking niacin?  The number one natural reducer of cholesterol?

High blood cholestrol

Is high HDL cholesterol normal?

Is cholesterol lower drugs needed for these readings

Niacin, B3

Post heart attack meds - beta blockers and ACE inhibitors in particular

Is high HDL cholesterol normal?

Is cholesterol lower drugs needed for these readings

Niacin, B3

Post heart attack meds - beta blockers and ACE inhibitors in particular

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