Worried about 80mgs. of a stratin.

[funnybones]

I recently was told, that i had significant calcification,of the distal aorta. This was found by accident, in an xray of my lumbar. I went to my HMO to be tested for my cholesterol, and it was 250.  bad was 173 good was 48 and triglis. were 145 The dr never discussed my problem, but had her nurse call in a perscription for me,for Lovastratin. 80mgs a day. I went to pick up the medication and the man at the pharmacy was so surprised at the mgs, that he held the meds, till checking with the Dr. The pharm. said, that if i do have a bad side effect from this new medication, it would be real bad, at 80mgs. The Drs nurse called me at home, and very matter of fact, informed me that the Dr is keeping it at 80mgs, because i have coronary heart decease.I was shocked.My first thought of course was ..Why didn't my Dr discuss it with me? If i have heart desease, wouldn't it be fitting for my  Dr.to send me to see a cardiologist? Why the 80mgs? couldn't she start me out with a lower dose.in case i so have a bad reaction?

[funnybones]

I have another question for you pepperliveson, if you have the time. I have recieved a call from my Dr. and  was finally able to ask some questions about her decision to put me on 80mgs a day of lovastratin. She said, the reason for the mgs, is because , they are going strictly by their findings in my xray. That because i have had no other syptoms, such as chest pains or shortness of breath, that they have no reason to give e a treadmill test, which they don't like to have to do. Sooo they are assuming i need the 80mgs. to be safe i guess. Because of my concerns, she is going to go ahead and lower my dosage to 40mgs a day,for 6 weeks,and see where my cholesterol is. I want so badly , to lower my cholesterol,by that date. I have begun weening myself off smoking, and have done quite well all week, My question is, Do you think, It would be benificial, for me to take a "Natural cholesterol reducer? Something from a healthfood store? with B6  b12 soy , things like that? I am already on a strict regimine of oatmeal each morning, olive oil for all cooking, and foods that help in lowering my cholesterol, but..I'd like to do all i can.Thank you for any suggestions, you may have.

[funnybones]

Pepperliveson: Thank you so much,for responding to my question,and concerns regarding my heart.   You must have sensed my urgency,my need for answers. The news has been upsetting ,but i think, even more so, because I had no one to explain exactly what i was experiencing.What was wrong with me, and I just sort of felt "left hangin."  My brother passed away at the young age of 56,of Atherosclerotic heart disease,and my sister who is 58  has heart problems also.I guess i shouldn't be all  dazed and confused. ha  I didn't think , that my cholesterol, was all that bad, but  there are other factors , as you stressed. I have learned some important facts from you,and they have been very helpful,  I appreciate you taking time out of your day, to explain some things to me, and for calming "My fears" a bit. I couldn't help taking special notice, of your name here "Pepperliveson" In our family, we call that "Spunk" I've always been an optomist,and  its clear to see you are to. The very best to you always, and thank you again, for the help.

[Pepperliveson]

I am so glad that my comments helped!  I wish you the very best.

[Pepperliveson]

Some primary care physicians feel comfortable prescribing statins but if you would feel more comfortable with a cardiologist (and I don't blame you), you should insist on a referral.  Starting off w/ 80 mgs is a little unusual but for patients with established coronary disease, this is the recommended dose.  Infact, most cardiologists feel that there is only one dose for patients w/ heart disease and this is 80 mg.  The drug will not only lower your cholesterol but will also inhibit inflammation which contributes just as much to heart disease as high cholesterol does. Statins also improve endothelial function - this is important because it is known that endothelial dysfunction increases your risk of a coronary event.  The risk of a serious side effect from even the highest dose of a statin is extremely low but they should monitor your liver and muscle enzymes every 3 months.  If you feel any unusual muscle pain, you should tell your doctor.  I have been taking 40 mg of Lipitor for 4 years now along w/ 10 mg of Zetia (another drug for cholesterol).  I haven't noticed any side effects - I am a 41 yr old woman w/ a genetic high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia.  Maybe my muscles ache a little every so often but that is all.  My cholesterol before treatment was 399 with a bad cholesterol of 330.  It is now 160 with a bad cholesterol of 97.  I also eat oatmeal EVERY DAY which also helps.  I think your doctor is doing the right thing.  The lower doses of statins may get your cholesterol into an acceptable range but will not protect you like the 80 mg dose will.