Rise in Cholesterol concerns

Sagie · 02-04-2009, 10:17 AM

I'm a bit concerned so i wanted to post and hopefully get some ideas/reassurance from ya'all about my cholesterol levels.

I've been low carbing off and on (mostly on) since the early 90's and my levels have always been fantastic. A month ago they were tested at 80 points above where they were last year so my doc ordered a retest and I just go the results back today.

Cholesterol 238 and LDL is 151. (these are the only numbers on the memo he sent me) so he prescribed Simvastatin 20mg once a day. So I'm a bit worried at the sudden change in numbers since I can't really see it being "diet" related after all of these years.

I'll try to give you as much detail as I can think of so hopefully you can give me some great advice

I'm 44, 4 kids, current weight 135, waist is 27inches (I know belly fat shows the risk of heart disease so threw that in there. I lift weights 4 days a week, do cardio 5-6 times a week. Quit smoking a few years ago. Body fat is right around 19%. I eat on plan almost always (April 07 I had rice, Dec 07 pizza and May 08 I had pizza) I pretty much stick to 20-30 carbs a day and admit I don't eat many veggies (I'm thinking this may be the problem?)

I mainly eat whole eggs, bacon, chicken, beef, cottage cheese, protein powder, celery and a salad or two a week. I take a multi vit a day, and my only other supplement is hyroxycut hardcore.

Well that is all the "history" i can think of off the top of my head. Any ideas or experiences you can share with me? I plan on getting the prescription filled today and will start taking them. My doc wrote that we will recheck it again next month. I've heard of people's levels rising when they first start this way of eating, but not such a big change when they've been on it for a long time. Or maybe it is just an age thing? I'm really not sure.

shespeaks · 02-04-2009, 11:01 AM

What exactly were your levels across the panel?

Leo41 · 02-04-2009, 11:02 AM

This is NOT medical advice but sharing my experience with cholesterol.

Mine went up rapidly with menopause and hypothyroid to a level just about yours. HOWEVER, my HDL was high, as I assume yours is as well, given the total that you report. OI'm actually suspicious of the motives of a doctor who does not report your HDL--does he fear you'd investigate and find out that your ratio is just fine? ) I had 3 doctors "suggest" statins to me, and when I reminded them about my high HDL and good ratio of HDL-LDL, they all "retreated."

In the meantime, my hypothyroidism was medicated and I began using fish oil supplements and made fish my major protein (this was to combat inflammation of arthritis, but it appears to benefit cholesterol as well).
On my last test (this month), my LDL was 103, and no one is talking statins to me any longer. It came down very, very slowly, but given my understanding of the entire statin fanaticism as mainly manufactured by big pharma and knowing that my numbers were satisfactory from an overall perspective, I was not especially concerned. There is also no history of heart problems in my family. I've also had cardiac tests that indicate no issues with my heart.

Were I you, I'd not react too quickly to your doctor's advice but research this a little and look at your entire health from a holistic perspective to determine whether or not you want to begin these powerful drugs.

BrianSCohen · 02-04-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sagie

I'm a bit concerned so i wanted to post and hopefully get some ideas/reassurance from ya'all about my cholesterol levels.

I've been low carbing off and on (mostly on) since the early 90's and my levels have always been fantastic. A month ago they were tested at 80 points above where they were last year so my doc ordered a retest and I just go the results back today.

Cholesterol 238 and LDL is 151. (these are the only numbers on the memo he sent me) so he prescribed Simvastatin 20mg once a day. So I'm a bit worried at the sudden change in numbers since I can't really see it being "diet" related after all of these years.
....

There is a great deal of controversy on the whole cholesterol thing. In my opinion, the whole medical establishment has done society a huge injustice and harmed many people through misguided efforts to limit dietary fat and control cholesterol.

That being said, the only real cholesterol markers in the basic panel to worry about are HDL (target > 60mg/dl) and triglycerides (target < 150 mg/dl). If you meet both test targets, you are in good shape. LDL and total cholesterol of no significant risk factors for CVD, and certainly not for women. In fact with high HDL and low tris, your LDL patterns are probably favorable anyway, independent of whatever reading you got.

Personally, I'd gracefully decline a statin drug. There is no evidence that they are beneficial to women independent of your cholesterol results, and if you had a detailed cholesterol panel, you would likely have an LDL pattern that is mostly large particles anyway (that is what you want). Why take a drug you don't need, accepting some risk of ill effect for no benefit.

MACXXX · 02-04-2009, 11:17 AM

The whole total cholesterol thing is bogus. Read Good Calories Bad Calories by Gary Taubes for an in depth understanding of how we got to thinking that total cholesterol matters. It doesn't. As stated by Brian, HDL and TGs (triglycerides) are what matters. There is no evidence that statins are helpful to a woman in warding off heart disease. None. Your doctor is following standard practice these days as to not get sued. In fact there is little evidence that statins are helpful at all in other than males under 55 who have proven heart diseases and that help is questionable.

Sagie · 02-04-2009, 11:30 AM

Thanks all, it sounds like I need to stop by my doctor's office and get the full print out of numbers and then figure out what to do. It just really made me nervous for such a drastic change in numbers after all this time. Thanks!

Leo41 · 02-04-2009, 02:45 PM

Just a question to clarify a possible problem. Why are you taking Hydroxycut at your weight? How long have you been taking it? It's possible THAT has caused the elevation of your cholesterol. These supplements can be dangerous.

Charski · 02-04-2009, 02:52 PM

If you want a good read online on cholesterol and statins, go to the blog of Dr. Michael Eades (the Protein Power author) and look up "cholesterol" and/or "statins" using his search. I think he is very level-headed and objective in his research and reporting on these things.

My last total cholesterol was 262 but my HDL was WAY up there and my ratios were excellent so I don't worry about it at all. The nurse who reported the results to me was a little worried about that 262 but when I showed her my RATIOS were at the low end of normal, she relaxed a bit. People do NOT understand, even in doctor's offices, that it's the ratio and NOT the total that matters.

EzraDuncan · 02-04-2009, 03:02 PM

If you have been lo-carbing for 2 decades and this is the first time your numbers went up I have to assume it is something else. Are there any other changes that you can think of?

Sagie · 02-04-2009, 04:45 PM

There are no other changes Ezra, that is why it confused me so much as I do get my blood-work done every year.

Thanks Charski, I know abit about Dr Eades but will search as you've suggested since I've no clue what he says about the cholesterol numbers, you know how you skim over those parts that "don't effect you" lol little did I know!

Thank you all whom have responded for sharing with me your knowledge and wisdom

Oh, and Leo, I take HC for the energy boost that it gives me while working out. And it has seemed to be one of the better "fat burners" that are out there imo.

I've decided that I'm not going to start to take the meds until I get back from vacation and do some more research on it when I have all the numbers.

SlapHappy · 02-04-2009, 06:15 PM

Please, please research statins carefully. Not only is cholesterol not the cause of heart disease -- overeating carbs (likely refined) is much more likely the problem -- but statins harm rather than help women. The only people who are actually helped by statins are men over 60 who have already had a heart attack.

EzraDuncan · 02-04-2009, 06:19 PM

How are you genes? Anyone else in the family have this problem?

Leo41 · 02-05-2009, 04:41 AM

I was just wondering whether the Hydroxycut is something new that could have contributed to your cholesterol situation.

I ask because I had a problem like that with coconut oil, even though others tolerated it with no problems--my LDL went up 50 points in 4 months while I was using it and went down those same 50 points when I stopped.

So sometimes a substance that's fine for others causes an individual problems.

Sagie · 02-05-2009, 09:09 AM

I've been taking the HC for quite some time and do wonder if it's just an age/hereditary thing. Both my father and mother and two of my sisters are all taking medications for their cholesterol levels.

I did fill the script but haven't taken any and don't plan to at this time. I feel great, feel healthy and fit, just was worried since it was a rather drastic change.

JanMarie3 · 02-05-2009, 02:30 PM

My cholesterol was 218 last month and my doctor asked me if I wanted to get serious about my diet or go on medication. I told her I would get serious and have until May when I get my bloodwork done again. I do NOT want to be on medication for high cholesterol.

I did find a product at Walgreen's called "Multi+CholestOff", which I am using as well as changing my diet.

02-04-2009, 10:17 AM	#1
Sagie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 165 Gallery: Sagie Stats: 211/126/130 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 1984	Rise in Cholesterol concerns I'm a bit concerned so i wanted to post and hopefully get some ideas/reassurance from ya'all about my cholesterol levels. I've been low carbing off and on (mostly on) since the early 90's and my levels have always been fantastic. A month ago they were tested at 80 points above where they were last year so my doc ordered a retest and I just go the results back today. Cholesterol 238 and LDL is 151. (these are the only numbers on the memo he sent me) so he prescribed Simvastatin 20mg once a day. So I'm a bit worried at the sudden change in numbers since I can't really see it being "diet" related after all of these years. I'll try to give you as much detail as I can think of so hopefully you can give me some great advice I'm 44, 4 kids, current weight 135, waist is 27inches (I know belly fat shows the risk of heart disease so threw that in there. I lift weights 4 days a week, do cardio 5-6 times a week. Quit smoking a few years ago. Body fat is right around 19%. I eat on plan almost always (April 07 I had rice, Dec 07 pizza and May 08 I had pizza) I pretty much stick to 20-30 carbs a day and admit I don't eat many veggies (I'm thinking this may be the problem?) I mainly eat whole eggs, bacon, chicken, beef, cottage cheese, protein powder, celery and a salad or two a week. I take a multi vit a day, and my only other supplement is hyroxycut hardcore. Well that is all the "history" i can think of off the top of my head. Any ideas or experiences you can share with me? I plan on getting the prescription filled today and will start taking them. My doc wrote that we will recheck it again next month. I've heard of people's levels rising when they first start this way of eating, but not such a big change when they've been on it for a long time. Or maybe it is just an age thing? I'm really not sure.

02-04-2009, 02:52 PM	#8
Charski Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Coastal CA Posts: 13,325 Gallery: Charski Stats: 174 (WW)/130/150 goal 5'5" 56 years young WOE: ATKINS! now and always.... Start Date: 5/03	If you want a good read online on cholesterol and statins, go to the blog of Dr. Michael Eades (the Protein Power author) and look up "cholesterol" and/or "statins" using his search. I think he is very level-headed and objective in his research and reporting on these things. My last total cholesterol was 262 but my HDL was WAY up there and my ratios were excellent so I don't worry about it at all. The nurse who reported the results to me was a little worried about that 262 but when I showed her my RATIOS were at the low end of normal, she relaxed a bit. People do NOT understand, even in doctor's offices, that it's the ratio and NOT the total that matters. __________________ Veni, Vidi, Velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck! Save the Earth - it's the only planet with chocolate! ATKINS '72 - MAINTENANCE X 6 YEARS! 2 7 10 16 31 12

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02-04-2009, 11:01 AM	#2
shespeaks MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,296 Gallery: shespeaks Stats: 189/139.5/125 5'2" & 36 WOE: Atkins-based LC, "eating to my meter" for Diabetes Start Date: June 2008	What exactly were your levels across the panel?

02-04-2009, 11:02 AM	#3
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	This is NOT medical advice but sharing my experience with cholesterol. Mine went up rapidly with menopause and hypothyroid to a level just about yours. HOWEVER, my HDL was high, as I assume yours is as well, given the total that you report. OI'm actually suspicious of the motives of a doctor who does not report your HDL--does he fear you'd investigate and find out that your ratio is just fine? ) I had 3 doctors "suggest" statins to me, and when I reminded them about my high HDL and good ratio of HDL-LDL, they all "retreated." In the meantime, my hypothyroidism was medicated and I began using fish oil supplements and made fish my major protein (this was to combat inflammation of arthritis, but it appears to benefit cholesterol as well). On my last test (this month), my LDL was 103, and no one is talking statins to me any longer. It came down very, very slowly, but given my understanding of the entire statin fanaticism as mainly manufactured by big pharma and knowing that my numbers were satisfactory from an overall perspective, I was not especially concerned. There is also no history of heart problems in my family. I've also had cardiac tests that indicate no issues with my heart. Were I you, I'd not react too quickly to your doctor's advice but research this a little and look at your entire health from a holistic perspective to determine whether or not you want to begin these powerful drugs.

02-04-2009, 11:17 AM	#5
MACXXX Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 408 Gallery: MACXXX WOE: Atkins	The whole total cholesterol thing is bogus. Read Good Calories Bad Calories by Gary Taubes for an in depth understanding of how we got to thinking that total cholesterol matters. It doesn't. As stated by Brian, HDL and TGs (triglycerides) are what matters. There is no evidence that statins are helpful to a woman in warding off heart disease. None. Your doctor is following standard practice these days as to not get sued. In fact there is little evidence that statins are helpful at all in other than males under 55 who have proven heart diseases and that help is questionable.

02-04-2009, 11:30 AM	#6
Sagie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 165 Gallery: Sagie Stats: 211/126/130 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 1984	Thanks all, it sounds like I need to stop by my doctor's office and get the full print out of numbers and then figure out what to do. It just really made me nervous for such a drastic change in numbers after all this time. Thanks!

02-04-2009, 02:45 PM	#7
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Just a question to clarify a possible problem. Why are you taking Hydroxycut at your weight? How long have you been taking it? It's possible THAT has caused the elevation of your cholesterol. These supplements can be dangerous.

02-04-2009, 03:02 PM	#9
EzraDuncan Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 512 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: EzraDuncan	If you have been lo-carbing for 2 decades and this is the first time your numbers went up I have to assume it is something else. Are there any other changes that you can think of?

02-04-2009, 04:45 PM	#10
Sagie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 165 Gallery: Sagie Stats: 211/126/130 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 1984	There are no other changes Ezra, that is why it confused me so much as I do get my blood-work done every year. Thanks Charski, I know abit about Dr Eades but will search as you've suggested since I've no clue what he says about the cholesterol numbers, you know how you skim over those parts that "don't effect you" lol little did I know! Thank you all whom have responded for sharing with me your knowledge and wisdom Oh, and Leo, I take HC for the energy boost that it gives me while working out. And it has seemed to be one of the better "fat burners" that are out there imo. I've decided that I'm not going to start to take the meds until I get back from vacation and do some more research on it when I have all the numbers.

02-04-2009, 06:15 PM	#11
SlapHappy Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 346 Gallery: SlapHappy Stats: 330/202/185 WOE: LC Start Date: 12/07/98	Please, please research statins carefully. Not only is cholesterol not the cause of heart disease -- overeating carbs (likely refined) is much more likely the problem -- but statins harm rather than help women. The only people who are actually helped by statins are men over 60 who have already had a heart attack.

02-04-2009, 06:19 PM	#12
EzraDuncan Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 512 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: EzraDuncan	How are you genes? Anyone else in the family have this problem?

02-05-2009, 04:41 AM	#13
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	I was just wondering whether the Hydroxycut is something new that could have contributed to your cholesterol situation. I ask because I had a problem like that with coconut oil, even though others tolerated it with no problems--my LDL went up 50 points in 4 months while I was using it and went down those same 50 points when I stopped. So sometimes a substance that's fine for others causes an individual problems.

02-05-2009, 09:09 AM	#14
Sagie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 165 Gallery: Sagie Stats: 211/126/130 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 1984	I've been taking the HC for quite some time and do wonder if it's just an age/hereditary thing. Both my father and mother and two of my sisters are all taking medications for their cholesterol levels. I did fill the script but haven't taken any and don't plan to at this time. I feel great, feel healthy and fit, just was worried since it was a rather drastic change.

02-05-2009, 02:30 PM	#15
JanMarie3 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Under the Gateway Arch Posts: 3,698 Gallery: JanMarie3 Stats: 140/134/125 5'3" WOE: Atkins Start Date: Registered: August 2000	My cholesterol was 218 last month and my doctor asked me if I wanted to get serious about my diet or go on medication. I told her I would get serious and have until May when I get my bloodwork done again. I do NOT want to be on medication for high cholesterol. I did find a product at Walgreen's called "Multi+CholestOff", which I am using as well as changing my diet.