Statin dilemma

douglas99

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Isn't that why we need a lot of HDL! To mop up the rubbish and repair our cardiovascular systems?

I wonder what the highest HDL on here is.
Not the highest LDL, "but it's alright because trigs are low" but the highest real HDL, as none of the studies I've read looked at specifically raised HDL. Although my figures are in the classic NHS ranges, I wouldn't be adverse to raising HDL more, as I do have some ceiling space.
 

Bluetit1802

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Although my figures are in the classic NHS ranges, I wouldn't be adverse to raising HDL more, as I do have some ceiling space.


When I was diagnosed in January 2014 my HDL was 1.44.
It crept up very slowly to 1.55 then 1.8
It jumped in December 2014 to 2.2
Since then it has gone up and up and is now 2.51.

What happened just before December 2014? I reduced my carbs by about half to around 30g and increased my fats quite a lot to balance the newly reduced carbs.

I have read several articles saying it is carbs that keep HDL down. This seems to be true in my case. My increased fats consumption at the same time could also be a reason. It certainly hasn't done it any harm.
 

JohnEGreen

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Thanks. It is a dilemma because I am so opposed to statins. However, I have resolved my dilemma as explained. I have done exactly what you advise, but it took some thought.
I am glad your life is far too great a matter to risk it in a debate on the benefits of statins.

Also this thread has helped me to come to a decision and that is to take my own advise. Thank you.
 

douglas99

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When I was diagnosed in January 2014 my HDL was 1.44.
It crept up very slowly to 1.55 then 1.8
It jumped in December 2014 to 2.2
Since then it has gone up and up and is now 2.51.
What happened just before December 2014? I reduced my carbs by about half to around 30g and increased my fats quite a lot to balance the newly reduced carbs.

I have read several articles saying it is carbs that keep HDL down. This seems to be true in my case. My increased fats consumption at the same time could also be a reason. It certainly hasn't done it any harm.


What are the rest of your numbers?
 

douglas99

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I am glad your life is far too great a matter to risk it in a debate on the benefits of statins.

Also this thread has helped me to come to a decision and that is to take my own advise. Thank you.

I entirely agree with you.
 
A

Avocado Sevenfold

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I wonder what the highest HDL on here is.
Not the highest LDL, "but it's alright because trigs are low" but the highest real HDL, as none of the studies I've read looked at specifically raised HDL. Although my figures are in the classic NHS ranges, I wouldn't be adverse to raising HDL more, as I do have some ceiling space.

I think I'll join you! In the absence of a scan, I don't know what is really going on inside so will be looking to increase my HDL if I can.

@BrianTheElder All the best :)
 

lindisfel

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I wonder what the highest HDL on here is.
Not the highest LDL, "but it's alright because trigs are low" but the highest real HDL, as none of the studies I've read looked at specifically raised HDL. Although my figures are in the classic NHS ranges, I wouldn't be adverse to raising HDL more, as I do have some ceiling space.
If you go low carb and eat good fats your HDL will go up!
 

covknit

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If you go low carb and eat good fats your HDL will go up!
Not completely sure about that. I seem to recall that genetic heritage is the most important factor in high HDL readings. A long way after that in the category of stuff we can influence comes yes to exercise, weight control and niacin. The NOT to's are transfats, smoking and drinking, although my little glass of red wine should be ok apparently.

None of us can do anything about our genes but if the weight is "right" and there was no health factor like diabetes to influence food choice I do not think LCHF equals increased HDL although eating something like doughnuts does seem to be a very bad idea for everyone.

Defining what is a healthy cholesterol reading seems very confusing although I am sure a reading above 10 would give me a heart attack on the spot. Surely the elephant in the room yet again is genetic heritage and our personal risk factor. The only calculation I know for that is qrisk and that surely must be the point at which we all have to start designing our ideal diet.
 

dogslife

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My calcium scan was 19 and an invasive angiogram only showed mild heart disease. Phew! Cholestetol on lchf was 4.6 TC. Awaiting a new blood test for lclf diet.

Looks like chest pains were from insufficient vit d. Bone aches are far less now on 1000mg daily tablets.
Hi ickihun. Can I ask you how long you took your Vit.B tablets please before noticing any improvement? I noticed that you and I have a lot of similar medical problems. I have been having a lot of muscle/ bone pain including chest aches and have recently discovered that I am Vit.D deficient. Have been taking daily FultiumD3 400 unit ( 10 ug) tablets for 5 days and no improvement yet. Glad to hear it has helped you. Thanks
 

ickihun

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Hi ickihun. Can I ask you how long you took your Vit.B tablets please before noticing any improvement? I noticed that you and I have a lot of similar medical problems. I have been having a lot of muscle/ bone pain including chest aches and have recently discovered that I am Vit.D deficient. Have been taking daily FultiumD3 400 unit ( 10 ug) tablets for 5 days and no improvement yet. Glad to hear it has helped you. Thanks
About 5 days. I've been able to reduce my tramadol. :) Mind you I stopped my atorvastatin at same time however I had chest pains way before I restarted statin.
My 10yr old is on 10ug too. Is that enough for you?
After bariatric surgery I will be given a calcium and vit d supplement combination. As too date I have no calcium deficiency, luckily. I am reaching menopause thou.
I never thought I'd have vit d deficiency as have a constant tan but it must be liver related.
 
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dogslife

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About 5 days. I've been able to reduce my tramadol. :) Mind you I stopped my atorvastatin at same time however I had chest pains way before I restarted statin.
My 10yr old is on 10ug too. Is that enough for you?
After bariatric surgery I will be given a calcium and vit d supplement combination. As too date I have no calcium deficiency, luckily. I am reaching menopause thou.
I never thought I'd have vit d deficiency as have a constant tan but it must be liver related.
Thanks for your prompt reply, ickihun. My dose does seem to be on the low side but have been asked to repeat my blood test in 3 months so maybe they will adjust my dose then if need be. I've stopped taking my statins too as my muscle pain increased as soon as I started taking them. Oh well, keep taking the pills for now and hope! Thanks again.
 

lindisfel

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Not completely sure about that. I seem to recall that genetic heritage is the most important factor in high HDL readings. A long way after that in the category of stuff we can influence comes yes to exercise, weight control and niacin. The NOT to's are transfats, smoking and drinking, although my little glass of red wine should be ok apparently.

None of us can do anything about our genes but if the weight is "right" and there was no health factor like diabetes to influence food choice I do not think LCHF equals increased HDL although eating something like doughnuts does seem to be a very bad idea for everyone.

Defining what is a healthy cholesterol reading seems very confusing although I am sure a reading above 10 would give me a heart attack on the spot. Surely the elephant in the room yet again is genetic heritage and our personal risk factor. The only calculation I know for that is qrisk and that surely must be the point at which we all have to start designing our ideal diet.

It would be interesting to have a census of low carbers and see how many have an increase in HDL and drop in trigs. My impression is that most here do get that improvement. You give the impression your not convinced the diet promulgated on here is your answer, perhaps you are referring to very few people who have a total chloresterol of c. 8-10? Of course those who do not fully comply with the criteria can blame their genes if they wish but most genuine Low Carb Good Fats people get an improved lipid profile, which indicates their LDL is not the bad stuff. Now the amount of LDL may be another kettle of fish and may need saturated fat in the diet reducing. D.
 
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JohnEGreen

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I actually don't have a clue what my levels are as on my last review they didn't test for Lipids.
 

LittleGreyCat

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Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, the NHS are not up to paying for this, despite the support of my GP. I have paid for the consultation, CT Scan and follow-up privately. I do get a lot of support from my wife, my GP, my heart specialist and this forum. I value the free support, but sometimes you have to pay to get what you feel is necessary in a realistic timescale.

If you don't mind, could you give a ball park cost figure for what you had done, and what it included?

One big problem with high cholesterol is establishing if it is having an adverse effect before major symptoms manifest themselves.
 
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connie104

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If you don't mind, could you give a ball park cost figure for what you had done, and what it included?

One big problem with high cholesterol is establishing if it is having an adverse effect before major symptoms manifest themselves.

Have you thought of asking your GP to refer you to the Lipid Clinic ? I have been referred and am awaiting an appointments I cannot take Statins ( tried 3 different ones and all caused terrible side effects ) and although my bloods are in non diabetic range my cholesterol is 6.4 and as i have already had 2 strokes she was not happy to let me continue with cholesterol like this . My doctor seems to think I am a candidate for a new cholesterol medication Repatha which can only be prescribed by a consultant so let's see what they say . I will let you know how it goes .
 

lindisfel

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Have you thought of asking your GP to refer you to the Lipid Clinic ? I have been referred and am awaiting an appointments I cannot take Statins ( tried 3 different ones and all caused terrible side effects ) and although my bloods are in non diabetic range my cholesterol is 6.4 and as i have already had 2 strokes she was not happy to let me continue with cholesterol like this . My doctor seems to think I am a candidate for a new cholesterol medication Repatha which can only be prescribed by a consultant so let's see what they say . I will let you know how it goes .
Hi Connie, The PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha is one) will reduce any damaging LDL you have but are not without side affects and can, like statins make T2D worse. For some reason Pfizer I heard has decided not to make them.
I have a similar total chloresterol to you but my lipid profile indicates I have very little of the damaging LDL and I am not on meds like metformin or worse still insulin, which is not a get out of jail free card in T2D.
Anyway I hope you get the right medication without side effects.
regards Derek
 
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connie104

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Thanks for your reply lindesfel , I certainly don't want to take anything that makes type 2 any worse as I have worked hard at being med free and keeping my bloods under control.
I have agreed to go just to see what they can offer other than Statins which should be interesting. I don't think my LDL is that bad either at 4.2 but seems my doctor does not agree !
 
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lindisfel

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There seems to so much descrepency between different medics opinions on what causes heart disease. It appears high blood glucose harms the cardio vascular system and T2D hyperinsulin is said to be an agent due to refined carbs. I am pleased I don't have to worsen this effect by taking more insulin. How our diet and lipid profile works into this equation not many seem sure of but for a fact smoking cigs is a killer input. regards D.
 
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