High BP/GGT/Triglycerides

Last March (07), I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (over 165) and put on Avalide.  This has brought it under control.  During this testing, my cholesterol was found high and GGT was 91.  I tried first lipitor and then another statin, but they only made me sick (leg pain, sleeplessness, abdominal pain).  I'm currently taking only the Avalide.  This past week (11/28), I took another blood test.  My GGT is now over 190, triglycerides 316, total 279 and LDL 160.  HDL was low, can't remember.  My blood sugar and other tests were normal.  I'm male, 44, and about 20 pounds over weight.  I drink once, maybe twice a week on the weekends only; and then 5-6 drinks tops.  My doctor is recommending liver ultrasound next week.  My main concern is that I can't really find anything online to clearly account for my symptoms.  I did a cardio stress test in March and, aside from my heart walls being slightly thicker, was completely normal and healthy.  I feel fine (since I stopped taking statins), but I really believe that with cholesterol this high I'm a ticking timebomb.  I can't imagine diet and exercise alone will fix this.  The only thing that the med sites seem to push are statins, which I can't take.  I'm hoping to find out more next week, but am really starting to worry.  Is there anywhere else to look?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Tex

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

The elevation in the GGT may be due to fatty infiltration of the liver.  You need to use NO alcohol and get yourself on a good exercise and dietary program and I suspect your cholesterol and liver functions will improve.