Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Your husband has high triglyceride levels with clearly low HDL levels. A HDL ratio of 5.5 is associated with moderate risk of cardiac disease. This blood report definitely suggests that he needs to have a medicine to bring down his cholesterol as only diet management and exercise will not be sufficient.

Regarding gemfibrozil if you are concerned about its side effects then you can consider other better options with lesser side effects. "If I were your doctor I would have chosen statins first out of the list of cholesterol medications after checking your liver enzymes".

Lifestyle modifications have equal importance along with medicines.

To increase your HDL you can start exercising regularly, stop alcohol and smoking (if any).

To decrease the LDL levels-
1. Reduce saturated fat intake
2. Maintain good body composition
3. Increase dietary fiber
4. Increase aerobic exercise

Finally it is best to consult your doctor to help you in choosing the best cholesterol lowering agent.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Regards.

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Hello.

Thanks for writing again.

Every medicine has is own side effects. The list of side effects that you have read online includes all the rarest of side effects, also which are not seen commonly in daily life.

You need not be sacred so much. All the cholesterol lowering drugs do affect liver function upto some extent.

Still you can discuss about the best agent for your husband with your treating doctor.

Hope I have answered your query.

Wishing your husband an early recovery.

Regards,

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