Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do These Cholesterol And HDL Levels Indicate?
Question: My total cholesterol is 177mg/dl...
My total cholesterol is 177mg/dl triglycerides 59 HDL 47 LDL 118 Non-HDL 130mg/dl total to HDL Ratio 3.8 They found Nonocclusive plaque present in the right carotid artery bulb and Calcified aortic plaque. My doctor wants to put me on atorvastatin 10mg. Why does does he want this if my Cholesterol is not bad? I raise my HDL from 35 to 47 and lower my LDL from 129 to 118 and I am eating right and exercising 5 t0 6 hours a week. So if I keep lowing my results and exercising I think that would be the better way instead of taking meds that could give me bad side effects. I am 5 10 and my weight is 185lbs body fat 26% and I want to get down to 170lbs and 20% body fat. Please that me know what I should do? Thank You XXXXXXX
My total cholesterol is 177mg/dl triglycerides 59 HDL 47 LDL 118 Non-HDL 130mg/dl total to HDL Ratio 3.8 They found Nonocclusive plaque present in the right carotid artery bulb and Calcified aortic plaque. My doctor wants to put me on atorvastatin 10mg. Why does does he want this if my Cholesterol is not bad? I raise my HDL from 35 to 47 and lower my LDL from 129 to 118 and I am eating right and exercising 5 t0 6 hours a week. So if I keep lowing my results and exercising I think that would be the better way instead of taking meds that could give me bad side effects. I am 5 10 and my weight is 185lbs body fat 26% and I want to get down to 170lbs and 20% body fat. Please that me know what I should do? Thank You XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Don't take statin for 3 months continue with diet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking to HCM!
I read your query and understood your concerns. Based on the fact that you have atherosclerotic plaques on aorta and carotid bulb you are at an increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
This is why if you were my patient I would recommend that you further lower total cholesterol (below 150 mg/dl) and Ldl cholesterol (below 100 mg/dl). Your efforts to lower cholesterol are promising and I suggest continuing with healthy lifestyle and diet for 3 other months.
If you achieve to lower cholesterol for the next three months you may not take atorvastatin. Otherwise you should start atorvastatin after three months.
Hope this was of help!
Dr. Benard
Don't take statin for 3 months continue with diet.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking to HCM!
I read your query and understood your concerns. Based on the fact that you have atherosclerotic plaques on aorta and carotid bulb you are at an increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
This is why if you were my patient I would recommend that you further lower total cholesterol (below 150 mg/dl) and Ldl cholesterol (below 100 mg/dl). Your efforts to lower cholesterol are promising and I suggest continuing with healthy lifestyle and diet for 3 other months.
If you achieve to lower cholesterol for the next three months you may not take atorvastatin. Otherwise you should start atorvastatin after three months.
Hope this was of help!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dr. Benard,
Thank you and I have one more question. If I do have to go on the atorvastatin 10mg which one is better 1. atorvastatin or Crestor or Livalo (pitavastatin) or any others that I might not be saying? Which one has less side effects and will do the job, and is 10mg to much or should I be on 5mg? My Doctor from Mayo mentioned to go on atorvastatin 10mg. I am very active person and at work I am always on my feet and when I come home I go to the gym. I am not on any medications at this time.
I forgot to tell you I also did the CT Coronary Artery Cal Score. Here are the results. CT HEART CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION SCORING TECHNIQUE: CT of the heart was done according to coronary artery calcification scoring protocol. 3-mm thin sections were obtained during diastole with ECG triggering. CT HEART CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION SCORE FINDINGS: Score: Total score: Zero. IMPRESSIONS: The above score places the patient at the or below the 53rd percentile compared to age and gender matched controls, indicating a low relative risk of significant cardiac event due to coronary artery disease. INCIDENTAL FINDINGS: Small hiatal hernia
Thanks XXXXXXX
Thank you and I have one more question. If I do have to go on the atorvastatin 10mg which one is better 1. atorvastatin or Crestor or Livalo (pitavastatin) or any others that I might not be saying? Which one has less side effects and will do the job, and is 10mg to much or should I be on 5mg? My Doctor from Mayo mentioned to go on atorvastatin 10mg. I am very active person and at work I am always on my feet and when I come home I go to the gym. I am not on any medications at this time.
I forgot to tell you I also did the CT Coronary Artery Cal Score. Here are the results. CT HEART CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION SCORING TECHNIQUE: CT of the heart was done according to coronary artery calcification scoring protocol. 3-mm thin sections were obtained during diastole with ECG triggering. CT HEART CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION SCORE FINDINGS: Score: Total score: Zero. IMPRESSIONS: The above score places the patient at the or below the 53rd percentile compared to age and gender matched controls, indicating a low relative risk of significant cardiac event due to coronary artery disease. INCIDENTAL FINDINGS: Small hiatal hernia
Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Atovarstatin with lowest dose 10 mg...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
Thank you for providing additional data.
Overall, statins have the same bad side effects. If you fail to bring your cholesterol numbers back to normal levels after 3 months, then, you should start with lowest dose.
Among the statins, Crestor is the best to control cholesterol levels. On the other hands Atovarstatin is advised to start with initial dose of 10 mg at bedtime.
With regards to your Ct-coronary artery cal score, that is perfect.
Please follow up with gastroenterologist if stomach issues will be present (to evaluate if hiatal hernia is changing size).
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Atovarstatin with lowest dose 10 mg...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
Thank you for providing additional data.
Overall, statins have the same bad side effects. If you fail to bring your cholesterol numbers back to normal levels after 3 months, then, you should start with lowest dose.
Among the statins, Crestor is the best to control cholesterol levels. On the other hands Atovarstatin is advised to start with initial dose of 10 mg at bedtime.
With regards to your Ct-coronary artery cal score, that is perfect.
Please follow up with gastroenterologist if stomach issues will be present (to evaluate if hiatal hernia is changing size).
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi Dr. Benard Shehu
If my levels do not come down in three months then should I ask my Doctor to use Crestor instead of Atovarstatin? Also I heard that Serrapeptase will break up the plaque in your arteries and that Q-10 will help too what do you think? And I was wondering if you knew of any natural vitamins I could use. I do have appointment with my gastroenterologist on Nov 17 but I have had a Small hiatal hernia for about 12 years.
Thank You XXXXXXX
If my levels do not come down in three months then should I ask my Doctor to use Crestor instead of Atovarstatin? Also I heard that Serrapeptase will break up the plaque in your arteries and that Q-10 will help too what do you think? And I was wondering if you knew of any natural vitamins I could use. I do have appointment with my gastroenterologist on Nov 17 but I have had a Small hiatal hernia for about 12 years.
Thank You XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Following natural alternatives lower cholesterol
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. Let's wait for changes in blood cholesterol after 3 months. If not coming down, then, should think to start with low dose statin. To my personal opinion, there is no big difference as they all have the same effects. However, dose matters, the lower at the start, the better.
2. There are various supplements you can find over the counter that will help reduce your cholesterol numbers including: garlic, omega-3, Q-10, red yeast rice, policosanol, artichoke, etc.
These are main ingredients you should find inside such supplements. Do not forget to look at the labels.
3. A small hiatal hernia won't be worrisome as long as it won't interfere with your GI passage (difficulty in swallowing) or other GI problems. There are many patients accidentally diagnosed with hiatal hernia who may live a long life without any serious problem from it.
Anyway, you should continue regular follow ups as scheduled with your GI specialist.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Following natural alternatives lower cholesterol
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. Let's wait for changes in blood cholesterol after 3 months. If not coming down, then, should think to start with low dose statin. To my personal opinion, there is no big difference as they all have the same effects. However, dose matters, the lower at the start, the better.
2. There are various supplements you can find over the counter that will help reduce your cholesterol numbers including: garlic, omega-3, Q-10, red yeast rice, policosanol, artichoke, etc.
These are main ingredients you should find inside such supplements. Do not forget to look at the labels.
3. A small hiatal hernia won't be worrisome as long as it won't interfere with your GI passage (difficulty in swallowing) or other GI problems. There are many patients accidentally diagnosed with hiatal hernia who may live a long life without any serious problem from it.
Anyway, you should continue regular follow ups as scheduled with your GI specialist.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dr. Benard Shehu
Thank You But you forgot to comment on Serrapeptase, what do know about this drug?
XXXXXXX
Thank You But you forgot to comment on Serrapeptase, what do know about this drug?
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I suggest to take serrapeptase...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is registered as a drug in far east, europe and as a food suplements in USA. It has antiinflamatory effects and is used to deal with “hardening of the arteries” (as in your case).
However the results are some how contradictory about cost effectiveness of this drug I suggest to take it, in your case it may be of help.
Wish you all the best!
Dr. Benard
I suggest to take serrapeptase...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is registered as a drug in far east, europe and as a food suplements in USA. It has antiinflamatory effects and is used to deal with “hardening of the arteries” (as in your case).
However the results are some how contradictory about cost effectiveness of this drug I suggest to take it, in your case it may be of help.
Wish you all the best!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Hi Dr. Benard Shehu
What dosage should you take when i start using Serrapeptase and Q10? I wonder if i should start taking tuheart have you heard of it or is there something better? Also is dairy bad for you because i have non fat slim milk with my cereal.
Thanks XXXXXXX
What dosage should you take when i start using Serrapeptase and Q10? I wonder if i should start taking tuheart have you heard of it or is there something better? Also is dairy bad for you because i have non fat slim milk with my cereal.
Thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer to your query. ..
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. To my opinion, taking into account your medical history, I'd advise to follow the healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle regimen first.
2. If I was your doctor would advise to start taking Q10 along with herbs that could lower cholesterol numbers.
The "Truheart" supplementation is containing Q10, D3 and plant sterols, which are know for lowering-cholesterol effect.
3. I do not recommend to start taking Serrapeptase now as long as you are implementing healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
4. Dairy products are not bad for you; instead they are healthy choice. On contrary, products that are make from dairies (like cookies or yogurt/milk drinks (with added sugar and other substances); these are not good for you.
So, you can safely continue to have non fat, slim milk with your cereal.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Detailed answer to your query. ..
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. To my opinion, taking into account your medical history, I'd advise to follow the healthy changes in your diet and lifestyle regimen first.
2. If I was your doctor would advise to start taking Q10 along with herbs that could lower cholesterol numbers.
The "Truheart" supplementation is containing Q10, D3 and plant sterols, which are know for lowering-cholesterol effect.
3. I do not recommend to start taking Serrapeptase now as long as you are implementing healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
4. Dairy products are not bad for you; instead they are healthy choice. On contrary, products that are make from dairies (like cookies or yogurt/milk drinks (with added sugar and other substances); these are not good for you.
So, you can safely continue to have non fat, slim milk with your cereal.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Hi Dr. Benard
This is what you said a few days ago. Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is registered as a drug in far east, europe and as a food suplements in USA. It has antiinflamatory effects and is used to deal with “hardening of the arteries” (as in your case).
However the results are some how contradictory about cost effectiveness of this drug I suggest to take it, in your case it may be of help.
So I am a little confused because now you say (I do not recommend to start taking Serrapeptase now as long as you are implementing healthy diet and lifestyle changes.) So please let me know so I can understand. Is it because you want me to do the diet and excise first and take tuheart and see how that works?
I do agree with you on your last reply I'd like to take The "Truheart" supplementation is containing Q10, D3 and plant sterols, which are know for lowering-cholesterol effect first.
I just found a different supplement called CholesLo. Is sounds really good for lowering cholesterol and over all general health. I would like to know which one you think would be better to take Tuheart or Choleslo? Also I was told that plant sterols can grow in your gut is this true? If so is it safe to take them and how would you know if this is a problem of them growing in your gut?
You have been really helpful so please let me know.
Thank You XXXXXXX
This is what you said a few days ago. Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is registered as a drug in far east, europe and as a food suplements in USA. It has antiinflamatory effects and is used to deal with “hardening of the arteries” (as in your case).
However the results are some how contradictory about cost effectiveness of this drug I suggest to take it, in your case it may be of help.
So I am a little confused because now you say (I do not recommend to start taking Serrapeptase now as long as you are implementing healthy diet and lifestyle changes.) So please let me know so I can understand. Is it because you want me to do the diet and excise first and take tuheart and see how that works?
I do agree with you on your last reply I'd like to take The "Truheart" supplementation is containing Q10, D3 and plant sterols, which are know for lowering-cholesterol effect first.
I just found a different supplement called CholesLo. Is sounds really good for lowering cholesterol and over all general health. I would like to know which one you think would be better to take Tuheart or Choleslo? Also I was told that plant sterols can grow in your gut is this true? If so is it safe to take them and how would you know if this is a problem of them growing in your gut?
You have been really helpful so please let me know.
Thank You XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Consider supplements after 3 months...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. What I have said earlier was a general information. Specifically, in your case, I do not see any reason why to use Serrapeptase now. You should continue with healthy diet and lifestyle regimen first. Then, after a second re-evaluation, should consider to start it or not.
2. With regards to supplements, I usually advise my patients to consume foods/herbs/spice that can help you lower your choleterol levels.
Choleslo contains certain herbs and vitamins and minerals that are helpful in improving lipid profile. Truheart is containing only a few of them.
My opinion is to start consuming the foods/herbs for first 3 months. After that, should re-evaluate the lipid profile. If you will have the high numbers again, you can consider starting Choleslo first.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Consider supplements after 3 months...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
1. What I have said earlier was a general information. Specifically, in your case, I do not see any reason why to use Serrapeptase now. You should continue with healthy diet and lifestyle regimen first. Then, after a second re-evaluation, should consider to start it or not.
2. With regards to supplements, I usually advise my patients to consume foods/herbs/spice that can help you lower your choleterol levels.
Choleslo contains certain herbs and vitamins and minerals that are helpful in improving lipid profile. Truheart is containing only a few of them.
My opinion is to start consuming the foods/herbs for first 3 months. After that, should re-evaluate the lipid profile. If you will have the high numbers again, you can consider starting Choleslo first.
All the best!
Dr.Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
Can you tell me if this is true I was told that plant sterols can grow in your gut is this true? If so is it safe to take them and how would you know if this is a problem of them growing in your gut? Do you think plant sterols are safe to take?
Let me know XXXXXXX
Can you tell me if this is true I was told that plant sterols can grow in your gut is this true? If so is it safe to take them and how would you know if this is a problem of them growing in your gut? Do you think plant sterols are safe to take?
Let me know XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Plant sterols inhibit absorption of cholesterol...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
Naturally, plant sterols are some substances found in certain foods. Their work is to block the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
Please bare in mind that there are 2 ways of obtaining cholesterol:
1. synthesis from your liver
2. absorption from foods in the gut
As you may see, plant sterol inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Thus, less cholesterol is moving in the bloodstream. Consequently, when you have your next lipid profile, the cholesterol numbers will be lowered.
Hope it answered!
Dr.Benard
Plant sterols inhibit absorption of cholesterol...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX
Naturally, plant sterols are some substances found in certain foods. Their work is to block the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
Please bare in mind that there are 2 ways of obtaining cholesterol:
1. synthesis from your liver
2. absorption from foods in the gut
As you may see, plant sterol inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Thus, less cholesterol is moving in the bloodstream. Consequently, when you have your next lipid profile, the cholesterol numbers will be lowered.
Hope it answered!
Dr.Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
