Medicine for ever????
I am 45 years old, excersize regularly, 6 foot 2 and weigh 215-220. I have good heart health and no family history of heart attacks or stroke. I do have a family history of high cholesterol and had battled to remain medicine free for a number of years. About two years ago I hit a cholestol level of 275 and we made the decision to go on a statin drug. I currently take 40mg of Simvastatin nightly without any side effects. My most recent blood numbers have been very good: 171 over all and the rest triglycerides, LDL, HDL, very good. The prior tests-since I've taken this drug-had shown improvements.
My question is: during the years that my levels were not good, did this create irreversable build up in my arteries? Or, do these break down and disappear over time? Could/should I lower the dosage (cut the table to 20mg)? Or can I stop taking it over time now that my diet and excersize habits are better? Or am I destined to take these drugs for the rest of my life? Thanks.
Hi Jon,
It is possible to make diet changes to lower cholesterol to gradually decrease your dependence on medication. As far as the damage to your arteries prior to taking medication - It's very difficult to say. I recommend you discuss a comprehensive lipid panel with your physician. This would allow you to monitor particle sizes and provide a better "picture" of your heart health to determine when medication is and is not needed.
If you'd like to eventually stop using medication I recommend outlining a treatment plan with your physician to achieve this goal.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
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My PCP put me on Niaspan which is a prescription B3 vitamin. In combination with a healthier lifestyle (my issues and lifestyle are similar to what you describe above) my cholestorol is in check now.
Niaspan is still medication but it is easier on the liver and according to some studies it does help remove build up from your arteries. Maybe something to discuss with your PCP.
I went from statins to Niaspan + Omega 3's after starting excercise and healthier diet. I feel great, statins had a bad effect on me, they drained me and gave me body aches, especially legs. I used Crestor and Pravastatin.
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