Re: heart disease

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on November 14, 1997 at 09:57:04:

In Reply to: heart disease posted by Kathie on October 28, 1997 at 23:58:12:







: Both of my parents have heart disease. I am a 46 year old woman, I walk 3 miles 4 times a week, eat healthy food, very little fat and have just been told my colesteral is 375, my trig. 475. My doctor put me on zocor however I am wondering what could cause this problem My throid is fine, my liver function tests are fine. Any suggestions would be appreciated.



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Dear Kathie,
Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides (a syndrome known as combined hyperlipidemia) is an important risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (as are other risk factors such as male sex, smoking, high blood pressure, family history and higher age).   The causes of combined hyperlipidemia are most commonly familial(hereditary predisposition), although some endocrinologic conditions such as thyroid disorders and diabetes are occasionally implicated.  So now that you know your lipid panel is abnormal, what to do?   You'll have to discuss the details of this with your physician, but the American Heart Association suggests the following guidelines regarding therapy of hypercholesterolemia.  First, you should follow a Step I AHA diet, meaning that calories from fat do not exceed 30 percent of total calories, and saturated fat and cholesterol intake is reduced.  I recommend you discuss this diet with a registered dietitian or nutritionist.   You have already begun therapy with Zocor, which is appropriate, and should recheck your lipid panel in several months to see whether your LDL cholesterol("bad" cholesterol) is less than 130, as desired.  You may require additional medications to achieve this goal, and will likely need to continue taking cholesterol lowering medications.  
Again, the explanation for your condition is most likely familial(hereditary) hypercholesterolemia.  As such, it would be prudent to check the lipid panels of any children or siblings you may have. Information provided in the heart forum is intended for information purposes only. Please consult your physician for specific diagnoses and recommendations.