Cholesterol Medication??

[janie]

I am a 66 year old female with a very slight heart murmur from childhood rheumatic fever and I am slightly overweight.  I am very active and exercize regulary. I have been on a low cholesterol diet but my cholesterol is still moderatly high: 259; LDL:173;  HDL:65;  TRG; 101.  I don't have any other risk factors.  Should I be on cholesterol lowering medication??  Thanks in advance for your opinion.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

If my goal were to lower her rather high LDL, I would use a 'statin.'

[ginny]

Dear Doctor,
I do not know what your response will be to Janie, but if you recommend LDL reduction(As this is the only abnormal component of her cholesterol panel.), would Niacin therapy by her doctor be a good choice for her? (If she can tolerate it, and her liver is healthy and does not react)  Thanks!
Sincerely,
Ginny

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

This is a difficult question. I know many experts that would give you opposite answers. I would recommend losing weight. If your cholesterol remained this high at an ideal body weight, I would probably start you on cholesterol lowering medication.