medicine

my mevacore was raised from 20 mg to 40 mg, over the phone....my LDL was 124. Cholesterol was in the low 200's.  I don't want to raise to 40mg, because of potential side affects, and have consequently began adding certain foods on a regular basic, oats, oat bran, flax seed, metamucil, diet and low fat/sat. fat...I have heard of people dropping all medications, and going stricly diet.  I guess I am looking for confirmation..

[Encephalomalcia]

LDL should be 100 or below.  With high cholesterol being hereditary, it is almost impossible to get the LDL below 100 because your cholesterol only accounts for 30% of what you eat.  The rest of the cholesterol is coming from your body.  If your heart does not work, your organs will not work.  It is best to protect your heart and not worry as much about your organs.  If my LDL was over 100, I would surely take the medication.  A lot of doctors I know are on the medication to protect their heart and their cholesterol is not even that high.  Heart disease is very scary and you need to protect your heart.  Medication helps.

[kenkeith]

There is ideopathic (cause unknown) hypertension and for some medication does not help.  For others a proper diet and exercise can be effective and no need for medication...My lipids are within the normal range without medication, but the doctor wants the lipids as low as possible due to a history of heart problems.  The very low levels are sanctioned by the guidelines of AAC/AHA.

To answer your question, if you have a history of CAD, you may want to follow the quidelines unless there are adverse side effects that can't be tolerated.