Cholesterol - Questions and Answers

Medical experts from Harvard University answer common questions about cholesterol.

QUESTION: HDL and LDL Ratios
What should the ratio be between a person's HDL and LDL cholesterol?
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QUESTION: Triglyceride Diet
What type of diet can lower triglyceride levels?
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QUESTION: High Triglyceride Levels
I have very high triglycerides (over 400) but decent cholesterol levels. I am not overweight and I exercise frequently. I would like to get these triglyceride values down. What should I do? What do high triglyceride values mean -- potential type 2 diabetes?
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QUESTION: Stress and Cholesterol
Does stress affect cholesterol levels?
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QUESTION: Zocor vs. Lipitor
My doctor has prescribed Lipitor. However, my insurance does not cover it. Instead, I have been given Zocor. Is it as good as Lipitor?
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QUESTION: Liptor and Memory Loss
Can you give me more information on Lipitor and memory loss?
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QUESTION: Zetia to Reduce Cholesterol
What is the main difference between Lipitor and Zetia for purposes of reducing cholesterol? I am currently taking Lipitor.
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QUESTION: Lipitor Effectiveness
Sometimes I forget to take my Lipitor for two or three days. Is this a problem for the drug's overall effectiveness over time?
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QUESTION: Cholesterol Drugs' Effect on Growth
My 5-year-old child has just been found to have a very high LDL cholesterol level (157 with an HDL of 54). She is not obese and is very small for her age. I read that some of the cholesterol lowering drugs can stunt growth. Is this true?
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QUESTION: HDL-Raising Medications
What are the names of HDL-raising medications on the market today?
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QUESTION: High HDL Levels
When is medication recommended for high cholesterol, and does having high HDL negate the need for medication? I just found out that my total cholesterol is 274; my LDL is 157, my HDL is 90 and my triglycerides are 133. I exercise, eat a healthy diet and am otherwise healthy, although high cholesterol does run in my family.
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QUESTION: Carbohydrates and Triglycerides
What is the relationship between carbohydrates and triglycerides?
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QUESTION: Excessively High HDL Level
What are the risks associated with an excessively high HDL level? My total cholesterol is 229, my LDL is 117, and my HDL is 102. Should I be concerned?
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