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Expected total cholesterol levels

What are the extreme ranges of total cholesterol levels expected in adult males?

A friend reported that her son-in-law has total levels in excess of 700!  I have never heard of such a high level.  Is this feasible?
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Avatar universal
I calculate that 1 in 100,000 people with statins die.

If you calculate that 200 people dies from the Baycol (100) and another 100 from Zocor, Lipitor, etc., and you figure 20 million people are taking statins, then 1 in 100,000 taking them is dying from the medicine.

I am looking forward to Zetia, the new drug, and I wonder why its 18% reduction in cholesterol is not more talked about...it has no side effects like the statins that are lethal.
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Avatar universal
dtdtdtdt,
Such high levels of cholesterol are possible, but certainly unusual. A pre-existing disorder is usually present, such as diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, liver disease, or inherited disorders.  Some medicines may also contribute to high cholesterol levels: alcohol, cyclosporin, and acutane are some examples.

Patients with such high cholesterol levels should be seen by a physician who specializes in lipid disorders.

Hope that helps.
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