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