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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do I Need Statins For Elevated Cholesterol Levels?

I have a copy of my June/14 cholesterol blood test. The numbers are: Triglycerides 5.15 Mol, Cholestrol 7.18 mol, HDL cholesterol is 1.27 mol and cholesterol/HDL Ratio is 5.7. I stopped taking pravcol as my legs were aching too much and becoming weak, also my mind got to fuzzy I could not think. I am taking 3 omega pills per day, 3-6-9 and my mind as become better. I have also started taking a natural medicine called Sytrinol. I do not want to take any more statins but I am terrified of a heart attack. Pls advise. Thank you
Sat, 28 Nov 2015
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Dietitian & Nutritionist,  's  Response
Hello. I have reviewed your concerns. May I make some comments? I know you cannot tolerate the statin you were on. Frequently, when this happens, the doctor can switch you to a more tolerable statin as there are more than one out and another statin may not affect you in the same manner. It is not going to help by going to a supplement like Red Rice Yeast as this supplement is a poor substitute of basically another statin medication an you would need liver enzymes monitored even on these so called "safe" supplements.

Your triglycerides are so high they almost qualify for the drug Lovaza which is essentially a super high dose of omega-3 fatty acids. You might want to ask your doctor about the medication vs. omega-3 supplements.

Your question is do I need to take statins for an elevated cholesterol level? With a "very high" reading such as you have, I sincerely encourage you to discuss trying another statin with your doctor that does not have these side effects that you experienced. The only other option for lipids this high if you want to avoid a heart attack is a MAJOR lifestyle change and even then it might not be enough.

You asked about Sytrinol. Do not put too much faith in this. I have never heard of the so-called active ingredients as being effective in any evidence-based manner.

Nicotinic acid (1-6 gm/day) has been used to lower lipids, but again you must talk to your doctor about a workable plan. This is an option, but you will still have to stay under dr. supervision.

Bottom line: Try another statin unless your doctor agrees to an alternate plan with the lovaza, nicotinic acid, and you will still have to follow a heart healthy diet with exercise.

Evidence of regression of plaque is out there. Subjects have gone vegan, started a rigorous exercise program and added supplements. Your lipids are so high and I know such lifestyle changes take time. And the outcome without medication is not guaranteed.

Have I given you things to think about? I hope I have answered your question. Good luck and my best wishes to you.

Be Well. Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
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Do I Need Statins For Elevated Cholesterol Levels?

Hello. I have reviewed your concerns. May I make some comments? I know you cannot tolerate the statin you were on. Frequently, when this happens, the doctor can switch you to a more tolerable statin as there are more than one out and another statin may not affect you in the same manner. It is not going to help by going to a supplement like Red Rice Yeast as this supplement is a poor substitute of basically another statin medication an you would need liver enzymes monitored even on these so called safe supplements. Your triglycerides are so high they almost qualify for the drug Lovaza which is essentially a super high dose of omega-3 fatty acids. You might want to ask your doctor about the medication vs. omega-3 supplements. Your question is do I need to take statins for an elevated cholesterol level? With a very high reading such as you have, I sincerely encourage you to discuss trying another statin with your doctor that does not have these side effects that you experienced. The only other option for lipids this high if you want to avoid a heart attack is a MAJOR lifestyle change and even then it might not be enough. You asked about Sytrinol. Do not put too much faith in this. I have never heard of the so-called active ingredients as being effective in any evidence-based manner. Nicotinic acid (1-6 gm/day) has been used to lower lipids, but again you must talk to your doctor about a workable plan. This is an option, but you will still have to stay under dr. supervision. Bottom line: Try another statin unless your doctor agrees to an alternate plan with the lovaza, nicotinic acid, and you will still have to follow a heart healthy diet with exercise. Evidence of regression of plaque is out there. Subjects have gone vegan, started a rigorous exercise program and added supplements. Your lipids are so high and I know such lifestyle changes take time. And the outcome without medication is not guaranteed. Have I given you things to think about? I hope I have answered your question. Good luck and my best wishes to you. Be Well. Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN