new cholesterol guidelines

[hensylee]

while I realize that valve replacement isn't a cholesterol matter and many here do not need to know this, those concerned with cholesteral might like to read:

http://heartdisease.about.com/od/cholesteroltriglycerides/a/cholrecs.htm

 

[tobagotwo]

I believe I am on record in the belief that the makers of anitcholesterol drugs will be having their last hurrah soon, and that they will find some way of extending the use of their drugs. One way is to find new indications for their use, another is to find a severe need for the product that can justify side effects, especially if some seem about to come to light.

One has to wonder how this study relates to recent reports that aggressively lowering cholesterol can affect cognitive function by removing cholesterols used by the brain to transmit information, and others that certain anticholesterol prescription products can even cause physical mobility disfunction.

Unless you are in a strong danger category, one would have to wonder whether waiting for more studies might be an appropriate approach to consider.

 

[Karlynn]

My cholesterol was 220 before starting Lipitor. I didn't think that was all that high, but both my cardiologist and my PCP said that with my family history of high cholesterol and heart disease (both parents dying of heart disease and maternal uncles with very high #'s) that I should be on it. So I started taking a statin. After a year I was down to 180. I don't remember what the breakdown #'s were, but they were better than without. Then I got back on my low-carb eating wagon and my total last checkup was 154 with even better breakdown #'s. If I knew I would not fall off the carb wagon again, I'd stop taking the Lipitor, but I also know that won't happen.

I do get cramping in my feet from the Lipitor. But given my family history I think I'll stay on the statins until something better comes along.

 

[hensylee]

I have been off Lipitor since March - and so much better! Karlynn watch those cramps. But I know what you are saying about inherited genes. Me, too.