HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is Medication Or Exercise Advisable To Lower LDL Levels?

Posted on Wed, 5 Aug 2015

Question: I AM 38 YRS OLD. I AM HAVING 50MG HDL, 146mg LDL AND TOTAL 229MG CHOLESTRAL LEVEL. DOCTOR HAVE PRESCRIBED TONACT 10MG. MY QUESTION IS WHETHER TO START MEDICINE OR GO FOR EXERCISE TO CONTROL LDL.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may start the medication along with exercising

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
With a total cholesterol level of 229 mg/dl and LDL level of 146 mg/dl, it is advisable to start medication.
Life style modification which includes exercising, low fat and carbohydrates in diet, increasing intake of fiber & proteins are also recommended.
Life style modifications and not a substitute of medication but they are complimentary to medication.
With medication and life style modification, the lipid profile may come within range.
Thereafter, the dose of drugs can be lowered on close monitoring.
I suggest you to get your blood pressure and fasting blood sugar assessed also since these conditions may co-exist.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (4 days later)

Doctor thanks for your reply. My blood pressure and fasting sugar is 140/90 and 103mg/dl respectively. Actually i had been playing volley ball since my schooldays and still now. My height and weight is 5.8" and 72kg respectively.

Before the test taken for cholestral i.e.229. I had decreased the cholestral level below 200 even LDL was 88 by regular diet and walking&games. This test was taken before tow months back. But the level is varying in different. So only I asked the question I go for medicine.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If raised lipids get controlled with life style changes, give a trial.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
If you have controlled your cholesterol and LDL level with life style modification before, you may give it a try this time also.
You may start with your regular physical activity and appropriate diet and repeat your lipid profile to see whether the raised levels of cholesterol and LDL have been controlled or not.
If life style modification works you may continue with it else medication will be required.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (6 days later)

Dr. thanks for your reply. One of My friend has more cholestrol than normal level. He is taking tablet 10mg. only in night for more than three months. But he is suffering foot pain. He has stopped the medication. But only when he tries to go for more walk or jog, he is suffering that pain.

So for this condition, if I need to go for medication I am doubting that this will also happen to me. If any side effects please Dr.let me know.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Clinical assessment of foot is required to know the cause of foot pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again.
Your friend needs to get his foot examined to know the cause of foot pain.
Cholesterol medication is unlikely to cause foot pain.
I don't think that you need to panic regarding cholesterol medication causing foot pain.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar