Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
My Doctor Just Prescribed Pravastatin For My Doctor Just Prescribed Pravastatin For My 195 Chlosterol Level, And Should I Be Anxious About All Of The Side Affects ?
Question: Dear DR. Rynne, my doctor just prescribed Pravastatin for my 195 Chlosterol level, and I'm feeling anxious about all of the side affects due to my already history of Diabetes, Hepatitis B, IBS, MVP, Asthma, HIV, Hypertension, Hashamoto Thyroiditis, Anemia among other things, such as GERD. Should I be concerned?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
I understand your concern and would explain that your cholesterol levels are borderline, which means that pravastatin may not be necessary.
Anyway, you should know that total cholesterol levels are not confident indicator of your cardiovascular risk and dyslipidemia.
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio or LDL/HDL ratio are more confident indicators.
For this reason, I would like to directly review your blood lipid profile, if you can upload it for a more professional opinion and determine if you really need to take pravastatin in order to treat dyslipidemia and thus lower your cardiovascular risk.
Regarding pravastatin adverse effects, you should know that when starting in low doses and increase slowly, its adverse effects are usually avoided.
Hope to have been helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Thanks.
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
I understand your concern and would explain that your cholesterol levels are borderline, which means that pravastatin may not be necessary.
Anyway, you should know that total cholesterol levels are not confident indicator of your cardiovascular risk and dyslipidemia.
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio or LDL/HDL ratio are more confident indicators.
For this reason, I would like to directly review your blood lipid profile, if you can upload it for a more professional opinion and determine if you really need to take pravastatin in order to treat dyslipidemia and thus lower your cardiovascular risk.
Regarding pravastatin adverse effects, you should know that when starting in low doses and increase slowly, its adverse effects are usually avoided.
Hope to have been helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need!
Wishing good health,
Thanks.
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
