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At What Cholesterol Numbers Should I Be Concerned?
Question: Hi, Dr. llir Sharka.
Please refer to our previous emails for familiarity of who I am. I know you said don't worry about having a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring but my Primary Care doctor felt I should so it was performed. I will try and upload a copy of the report but everything was beautiful meaning 0 for my Total Calcium Score. I also had this same test performed in 2015 and it was beautiful as well. Here are my concerns I'm asking because my cardiologist is out on vacation until next week and I do not care for the other doctor within the practice I decided to contact you. You know the whole issue with the prednisone but I had new blood work on 3/29/21 and it showed my number actually were changed by going up on some and down on others and I was not happy about that. For an example.
3/24/2021 Lipid Panel was:
Cholesterol, Total ---- 253 High normal range is 100 - 199
Triglycerides -------- 95 normal range is 0 - 149
HDL Cholesterol ------ 61 normal range is more > 39
VLDL Cholesterol ------ 16 normal range is 5 - 40
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) ----- 176 normal range 0 -99
Results from 3/29/21
Cholesterol, Total -- 255
Triglycerides -- 100
HDL Cholesterol ----- 52
VLDL Cholesterol ----- 18
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) --- 185
My concern is my numbers have went up even though I stopped taking the prednisone on 3/23/21. I do have a sensitive system but I'm worried now that I may be stuck with really high cholesterol after this and will need a statin drug to bring it down. My questions I have are:
1) Should I start a statin drug now with these new numbers or still give it some time to get out my system? And if so, how much more time?
2) By waiting am I placing myself in a RISKY situation of heart attack or stoke etc?
3) Do I need to be concerned about having a heart attack or stroke with these types of numbers?
4) Why do you think the numbers are going up instead of down since I've been off prednisone since 3/23/2021?
4) At what cholesterol numbers should I be concerned?
5) What can I do to help lower my cholesterol numbers fast whether naturally or whatever needs to be done?
6) With these numbers is it safe for me to eat a steak or ice cream?
7) Can I eat plain cheerios with out milk and that won't affect my cholesterol in a negative way?
8) Can I eat boil eggs? If so, how many?
Listen, I know I may be asking alot of questions but I have so much concern for my health. Please if there anything else you would like to add to what I have not covered please do so...... Please.. I've been sweating so much at night and I wonder if its from high cholesterol of possible menopause? How would I know or what can I do about it...... Not sleeping at all hardly....Please get back to me soon.....
Thanks for everything!
Please refer to our previous emails for familiarity of who I am. I know you said don't worry about having a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring but my Primary Care doctor felt I should so it was performed. I will try and upload a copy of the report but everything was beautiful meaning 0 for my Total Calcium Score. I also had this same test performed in 2015 and it was beautiful as well. Here are my concerns I'm asking because my cardiologist is out on vacation until next week and I do not care for the other doctor within the practice I decided to contact you. You know the whole issue with the prednisone but I had new blood work on 3/29/21 and it showed my number actually were changed by going up on some and down on others and I was not happy about that. For an example.
3/24/2021 Lipid Panel was:
Cholesterol, Total ---- 253 High normal range is 100 - 199
Triglycerides -------- 95 normal range is 0 - 149
HDL Cholesterol ------ 61 normal range is more > 39
VLDL Cholesterol ------ 16 normal range is 5 - 40
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) ----- 176 normal range 0 -99
Results from 3/29/21
Cholesterol, Total -- 255
Triglycerides -- 100
HDL Cholesterol ----- 52
VLDL Cholesterol ----- 18
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) --- 185
My concern is my numbers have went up even though I stopped taking the prednisone on 3/23/21. I do have a sensitive system but I'm worried now that I may be stuck with really high cholesterol after this and will need a statin drug to bring it down. My questions I have are:
1) Should I start a statin drug now with these new numbers or still give it some time to get out my system? And if so, how much more time?
2) By waiting am I placing myself in a RISKY situation of heart attack or stoke etc?
3) Do I need to be concerned about having a heart attack or stroke with these types of numbers?
4) Why do you think the numbers are going up instead of down since I've been off prednisone since 3/23/2021?
4) At what cholesterol numbers should I be concerned?
5) What can I do to help lower my cholesterol numbers fast whether naturally or whatever needs to be done?
6) With these numbers is it safe for me to eat a steak or ice cream?
7) Can I eat plain cheerios with out milk and that won't affect my cholesterol in a negative way?
8) Can I eat boil eggs? If so, how many?
Listen, I know I may be asking alot of questions but I have so much concern for my health. Please if there anything else you would like to add to what I have not covered please do so...... Please.. I've been sweating so much at night and I wonder if its from high cholesterol of possible menopause? How would I know or what can I do about it...... Not sleeping at all hardly....Please get back to me soon.....
Thanks for everything!
Hi, Dr. llir Sharka.
Please refer to our previous emails for familiarity of who I am. I know you said don't worry about having a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring but my Primary Care doctor felt I should so it was performed. I will try and upload a copy of the report but everything was beautiful meaning 0 for my Total Calcium Score. I also had this same test performed in 2015 and it was beautiful as well. Here are my concerns I'm asking because my cardiologist is out on vacation until next week and I do not care for the other doctor within the practice I decided to contact you. You know the whole issue with the prednisone but I had new blood work on 3/29/21 and it showed my number actually were changed by going up on some and down on others and I was not happy about that. For an example.
3/24/2021 Lipid Panel was:
Cholesterol, Total ---- 253 High normal range is 100 - 199
Triglycerides -------- 95 normal range is 0 - 149
HDL Cholesterol ------ 61 normal range is more > 39
VLDL Cholesterol ------ 16 normal range is 5 - 40
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) ----- 176 normal range 0 -99
Results from 3/29/21
Cholesterol, Total -- 255
Triglycerides -- 100
HDL Cholesterol ----- 52
VLDL Cholesterol ----- 18
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) --- 185
My concern is my numbers have went up even though I stopped taking the prednisone on 3/23/21. I do have a sensitive system but I'm worried now that I may be stuck with really high cholesterol after this and will need a statin drug to bring it down. My questions I have are:
1) Should I start a statin drug now with these new numbers or still give it some time to get out my system? And if so, how much more time?
2) By waiting am I placing myself in a RISKY situation of heart attack or stoke etc?
3) Do I need to be concerned about having a heart attack or stroke with these types of numbers?
4) Why do you think the numbers are going up instead of down since I've been off prednisone since 3/23/2021?
4) At what cholesterol numbers should I be concerned?
5) What can I do to help lower my cholesterol numbers fast whether naturally or whatever needs to be done?
6) With these numbers is it safe for me to eat a steak or ice cream?
7) Can I eat plain cheerios with out milk and that won't affect my cholesterol in a negative way?
8) Can I eat boil eggs? If so, how many?
Listen, I know I may be asking alot of questions but I have so much concern for my health. Please if there anything else you would like to add to what I have not covered please do so...... Please.. I've been sweating so much at night and I wonder if its from high cholesterol of possible menopause? How would I know or what can I do about it...... Not sleeping at all hardly....Please get back to me soon.....
Thanks for everything!
Please refer to our previous emails for familiarity of who I am. I know you said don't worry about having a CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring but my Primary Care doctor felt I should so it was performed. I will try and upload a copy of the report but everything was beautiful meaning 0 for my Total Calcium Score. I also had this same test performed in 2015 and it was beautiful as well. Here are my concerns I'm asking because my cardiologist is out on vacation until next week and I do not care for the other doctor within the practice I decided to contact you. You know the whole issue with the prednisone but I had new blood work on 3/29/21 and it showed my number actually were changed by going up on some and down on others and I was not happy about that. For an example.
3/24/2021 Lipid Panel was:
Cholesterol, Total ---- 253 High normal range is 100 - 199
Triglycerides -------- 95 normal range is 0 - 149
HDL Cholesterol ------ 61 normal range is more > 39
VLDL Cholesterol ------ 16 normal range is 5 - 40
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) ----- 176 normal range 0 -99
Results from 3/29/21
Cholesterol, Total -- 255
Triglycerides -- 100
HDL Cholesterol ----- 52
VLDL Cholesterol ----- 18
LDL Chol Calc (NIH) --- 185
My concern is my numbers have went up even though I stopped taking the prednisone on 3/23/21. I do have a sensitive system but I'm worried now that I may be stuck with really high cholesterol after this and will need a statin drug to bring it down. My questions I have are:
1) Should I start a statin drug now with these new numbers or still give it some time to get out my system? And if so, how much more time?
2) By waiting am I placing myself in a RISKY situation of heart attack or stoke etc?
3) Do I need to be concerned about having a heart attack or stroke with these types of numbers?
4) Why do you think the numbers are going up instead of down since I've been off prednisone since 3/23/2021?
4) At what cholesterol numbers should I be concerned?
5) What can I do to help lower my cholesterol numbers fast whether naturally or whatever needs to be done?
6) With these numbers is it safe for me to eat a steak or ice cream?
7) Can I eat plain cheerios with out milk and that won't affect my cholesterol in a negative way?
8) Can I eat boil eggs? If so, how many?
Listen, I know I may be asking alot of questions but I have so much concern for my health. Please if there anything else you would like to add to what I have not covered please do so...... Please.. I've been sweating so much at night and I wonder if its from high cholesterol of possible menopause? How would I know or what can I do about it...... Not sleeping at all hardly....Please get back to me soon.....
Thanks for everything!
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear,
Regarding your blood lipid profile, I agree with you on the fact that it is slightly worse compared to the last one, but this may be explained with the effects of prednisone, which persist for days after stopping steroids.
Anyway, I don't think that this will increase your cardiovascular risk, as it is just for a short period of time, as it takes years for dyslipidemia to deposit fat on blood vessels walls and narrow them.
So, I don't think that you should worry about it!
I think that you should wait a couple of weeks before starting statins and then check again your blood lipid profile.
Regarding your diet, I would recommend avoiding eggs ( just one or two per week) , but it is ok to eat an icecream occasionally.
I would recommend avoiding fatty foods, fast food and sweets. I would recommend taking food rich in omega 3 fatty acids ( fish, fish oil, walnuts, olive oil) and performing aerobics.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear,
Regarding your blood lipid profile, I agree with you on the fact that it is slightly worse compared to the last one, but this may be explained with the effects of prednisone, which persist for days after stopping steroids.
Anyway, I don't think that this will increase your cardiovascular risk, as it is just for a short period of time, as it takes years for dyslipidemia to deposit fat on blood vessels walls and narrow them.
So, I don't think that you should worry about it!
I think that you should wait a couple of weeks before starting statins and then check again your blood lipid profile.
Regarding your diet, I would recommend avoiding eggs ( just one or two per week) , but it is ok to eat an icecream occasionally.
I would recommend avoiding fatty foods, fast food and sweets. I would recommend taking food rich in omega 3 fatty acids ( fish, fish oil, walnuts, olive oil) and performing aerobics.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear ,
Regarding your blood lipid profile, I agree with you on the fact that it is slightly worse compared to the last one, but this may be explained with the effects of prednisone, which persist for days after stopping steroids.
Anyway, I don't think that this will increase your cardiovascular risk, as it is just for a short period of time, as it takes years for dyslipidemia to deposit fat on blood vessels walls and narrow them.
So, I don't think that you should worry about it!
I think that you should wait a couple of weeks before starting statins and then check again your blood lipid profile.
Regarding your diet, I would recommend avoiding eggs ( just one or two per week) , but it is ok to eat an icecream occasionally.
I would recommend avoiding fatty foods, fast food and sweets. I would recommend taking food rich in omega 3 fatty acids ( fish, fish oil, walnuts, olive oil) and performing aerobics.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear ,
Regarding your blood lipid profile, I agree with you on the fact that it is slightly worse compared to the last one, but this may be explained with the effects of prednisone, which persist for days after stopping steroids.
Anyway, I don't think that this will increase your cardiovascular risk, as it is just for a short period of time, as it takes years for dyslipidemia to deposit fat on blood vessels walls and narrow them.
So, I don't think that you should worry about it!
I think that you should wait a couple of weeks before starting statins and then check again your blood lipid profile.
Regarding your diet, I would recommend avoiding eggs ( just one or two per week) , but it is ok to eat an icecream occasionally.
I would recommend avoiding fatty foods, fast food and sweets. I would recommend taking food rich in omega 3 fatty acids ( fish, fish oil, walnuts, olive oil) and performing aerobics.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for resounding. I'm allergic to fish so I can't eat that for extra support. Is there any omega supplement that I can take to help or any supplement that you feel will help? I've started taking a fiber supplement as of yesterday. How much fiber do I need daily to help lower my cholesterol? Do you think walking on my treadmill daily at 3.0 speed for at least 1 mile will be enough exercise to help with my heart or do I need more or something else? Is it ok to eat plain cheerios without milk daily? Listen, I need all the advise and support I can get through this crisis...I resally need help here
Thanks for resounding. I'm allergic to fish so I can't eat that for extra support. Is there any omega supplement that I can take to help or any supplement that you feel will help? I've started taking a fiber supplement as of yesterday. How much fiber do I need daily to help lower my cholesterol? Do you think walking on my treadmill daily at 3.0 speed for at least 1 mile will be enough exercise to help with my heart or do I need more or something else? Is it ok to eat plain cheerios without milk daily? Listen, I need all the advise and support I can get through this crisis...I resally need help here
Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for resounding. I'm allergic to fish so I can't eat that for extra support. Is there any omega supplement that I can take to help or any supplement that you feel will help? I've started taking a fiber supplement as of yesterday. How much fiber do I need daily to help lower my cholesterol? Do you think walking on my treadmill daily at 3.0 speed for at least 1 mile will be enough exercise to help with my heart or do I need more or something else? Is it ok to eat plain cheerios without milk daily? Listen, I need all the advise and support I can get through this crisis...I resally need help here
Thanks for resounding. I'm allergic to fish so I can't eat that for extra support. Is there any omega supplement that I can take to help or any supplement that you feel will help? I've started taking a fiber supplement as of yesterday. How much fiber do I need daily to help lower my cholesterol? Do you think walking on my treadmill daily at 3.0 speed for at least 1 mile will be enough exercise to help with my heart or do I need more or something else? Is it ok to eat plain cheerios without milk daily? Listen, I need all the advise and support I can get through this crisis...I resally need help here
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I understand your concern and would agree with this kind of physical activity. In my opinion, you do not need more. It is important to avoid straining physical activity, as it induces lactic acidosis in muscles.
Regarding your diet, it is OK to eat cheerios without milk and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can use omega 3 supplement as well (300mg daily).
But, there is no reason to panic. I am sure that your blood lipid profile will come back to normal again in a couple of weeks.
There is no need to make drastic changes in your diet, as this is dyslipidemia induced by steroids, not related to your diet, and it will recover some times after stopping steroids.
Regarding the sweating during the night, it is caused by hormonal changes due to menopause. Dyslipidemia does not lead to this clinical situation.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I understand your concern and would agree with this kind of physical activity. In my opinion, you do not need more. It is important to avoid straining physical activity, as it induces lactic acidosis in muscles.
Regarding your diet, it is OK to eat cheerios without milk and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can use omega 3 supplement as well (300mg daily).
But, there is no reason to panic. I am sure that your blood lipid profile will come back to normal again in a couple of weeks.
There is no need to make drastic changes in your diet, as this is dyslipidemia induced by steroids, not related to your diet, and it will recover some times after stopping steroids.
Regarding the sweating during the night, it is caused by hormonal changes due to menopause. Dyslipidemia does not lead to this clinical situation.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I understand your concern and would agree with this kind of physical activity. In my opinion, you do not need more. It is important to avoid straining physical activity, as it induces lactic acidosis in muscles.
Regarding your diet, it is OK to eat cheerios without milk and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can use omega 3 supplement as well (300mg daily).
But, there is no reason to panic. I am sure that your blood lipid profile will come back to normal again in a couple of weeks.
There is no need to make drastic changes in your diet, as this is dyslipidemia induced by steroids, not related to your diet, and it will recover some times after stopping steroids.
Regarding the sweating during the night, it is caused by hormonal changes due to menopause. Dyslipidemia does not lead to this clinical situation.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
My opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I understand your concern and would agree with this kind of physical activity. In my opinion, you do not need more. It is important to avoid straining physical activity, as it induces lactic acidosis in muscles.
Regarding your diet, it is OK to eat cheerios without milk and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can use omega 3 supplement as well (300mg daily).
But, there is no reason to panic. I am sure that your blood lipid profile will come back to normal again in a couple of weeks.
There is no need to make drastic changes in your diet, as this is dyslipidemia induced by steroids, not related to your diet, and it will recover some times after stopping steroids.
Regarding the sweating during the night, it is caused by hormonal changes due to menopause. Dyslipidemia does not lead to this clinical situation.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Sharka,
My new blood work came back and the numbers are below. Please tell me what you think is going on here because I don't understand what done of the other numbers means. I sent the report to you at the other email address.
Total cholesterol : 239
HDL : 51
Triglyceride: 97
LDL : 167
CHOL/ HDLC RATIO : 4.7
NON HDL : 188
THANK YOU...
My new blood work came back and the numbers are below. Please tell me what you think is going on here because I don't understand what done of the other numbers means. I sent the report to you at the other email address.
Total cholesterol : 239
HDL : 51
Triglyceride: 97
LDL : 167
CHOL/ HDLC RATIO : 4.7
NON HDL : 188
THANK YOU...
Dr. Sharka,
My new blood work came back and the numbers are below. Please tell me what you think is going on here because I don't understand what done of the other numbers means. I sent the report to you at the other email address.
Total cholesterol : 239
HDL : 51
Triglyceride: 97
LDL : 167
CHOL/ HDLC RATIO : 4.7
NON HDL : 188
THANK YOU...
My new blood work came back and the numbers are below. Please tell me what you think is going on here because I don't understand what done of the other numbers means. I sent the report to you at the other email address.
Total cholesterol : 239
HDL : 51
Triglyceride: 97
LDL : 167
CHOL/ HDLC RATIO : 4.7
NON HDL : 188
THANK YOU...
Brief Answer:
You are improving.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Your new blood lipid profile shows a better situation ( lower LDL values) , which means that it seems that you are improving.
So, I think that in a couple of weeks your situation is going to improve even more.
So, this is really good news and you are doing great!
There is no reason to panic and there is no reason to check your blood lipid profile so often.
I recommend checking again in a couple of weeks, because it is too early!
Please try to be patient!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are improving.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Your new blood lipid profile shows a better situation ( lower LDL values) , which means that it seems that you are improving.
So, I think that in a couple of weeks your situation is going to improve even more.
So, this is really good news and you are doing great!
There is no reason to panic and there is no reason to check your blood lipid profile so often.
I recommend checking again in a couple of weeks, because it is too early!
Please try to be patient!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
You are improving.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Your new blood lipid profile shows a better situation ( lower LDL values) , which means that it seems that you are improving.
So, I think that in a couple of weeks your situation is going to improve even more.
So, this is really good news and you are doing great!
There is no reason to panic and there is no reason to check your blood lipid profile so often.
I recommend checking again in a couple of weeks, because it is too early!
Please try to be patient!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are improving.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Your new blood lipid profile shows a better situation ( lower LDL values) , which means that it seems that you are improving.
So, I think that in a couple of weeks your situation is going to improve even more.
So, this is really good news and you are doing great!
There is no reason to panic and there is no reason to check your blood lipid profile so often.
I recommend checking again in a couple of weeks, because it is too early!
Please try to be patient!
Hope you will find this information helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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