Alternatives to statins for high cholesterol

June 1, 2006

Kay has asked about alternatives to statins to lower cholesterol

levels. Several have suggested changing to a low cholesterol diet,

which is a good start. As points out,however, cholesterol levels

are only partially the result of diet; genetics plays a big role too.

(Remember all those Zytorin commercials?) I went to a cholesterol

specialist to explore ways to bring my levels down without statins. She

told me that my diet was excellent (no butter,little red meat, lots of

fish, fruit and veggies--a result of being a lifetime member of Weight

Watchers), and my BMI was 20 (target is below 25), but I couldn't

change my family genes that resulted in a total cholesterol of 260.

She prescribed Zetia which I have taken for 3 years with no side

effects, and have been able to get my total cholesterol down to 215. My

LDL is creeping up, so I have just started with Welchol. I'm hopeful

that will work. Stay tuned. I just don't want to risk any new problems

because of statins.

Donna in New Hampshire

June 4, 2006

My family doctor was worried abut putting me on Statins...my cholestrol was 356

so he put me on 2500 mgs of flush free Niacin a day...that was two years ago. I

now take 1000 mgs a day and my cholestrol is 165 and stays that way with

exercise and diet added....my LDL is normal too.

Cathleen

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