High LDL number & Statin Drugs page

[jacksongirl1]

I see that the cholesterol issue is a hot topic so thought I would get your collective advice on my blood numbers:

HDL = 107
Triglycerides = 56
LDL = 148
Total Chol = 266

I have been following primal for 1 year and the HDL has been pretty constant over 100 and my tri levels have been dropping, with the LDL number increasing... I have finally lost the battle with my MD and he gave me a script for a statin drug... and I don't want to take it... any thoughts/advice??? From what I have read on the forums, it seems that my LDL is most probably the good fluffy type, but is there anything else I can do (short of taking the statin) to lower the LDL number to get the MD off my case??? thanks!

[Groktimus Prime]

Ask your doctor to test your LDL cholesterol directly. For most lab tests, because it's inexpensive, the LDL number is indirectly calculated using the Freidewald equation (LDL = TC - HDL - [TG/5]...I get 145, in your case), but it seems to break down when your TGs get down to your level. See this post from Dr. Michael Eades:

The moral of this story is that if you have been following a low-carb diet and your triglycerides are low (or if your triglycerides are just low) and your LDL reading comes out a little high – or even a lot high, don’t let anyone mule you into going on a statin or undergoing any therapy for an elevated LDL. Demand to have a direct measurement of your LDL done.

[jacksongirl1]

Charlie - thanks I will def check ask for this... I have felt so much better following the primal lifestyle that is was a bit disheartening for my MD to prescribe a statin when I don't believe or feel that I need it!!!

[Groktimus Prime]

No problem. Your HDL number is awesome. Now, if you would just quit burning so much stored body fat, your calculated LDL number would "improve"!

[jacksongirl1]

yes I think you hit it... although I am at a good weight, I still have a bit of a residual spare tire in the abs that is probably the problem

[peril]

You don't have to fill the prescription. Simply so no. You're numbers are great

[Kakes]

You couldn't pay me to take a statin. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...-revealed.aspx
and this one: Statins Do Not Decrease Small Dense LDL Proportion | Mark's Daily Apple

Have you seen this one? I have high cholesterol, and I don’t care
I technically have high cholesterol as well- high HDL, very low trigs, high LDL. But my risk for heart disease in the next 10 years is pretty much nil. If my doc pushed me hard to go on statins, I'd fire him.

[jammies]

Ask you doctor to go over the data on using statins for prevention of heart attacks in otherwise healthy people. Even by CW standards the data is pretty unconvincing. (If you have already had a heart attack the data is a little more convincing)

With your numbers, I would not even consider taking a statin.

You can also ask for a coronary artery calcium scan which will look for plaque buildup in your vessels. If all clear, then you have even more evidence that you don't have an issue.

[jacksongirl1]

Many thanks to all for all your comments... And I have not filled nor do I plan to fill that statin prescription!!!

[Linny]

I think your numbers look really good. I know the total seems really high but with an HDL of 107 you'll never get TC below 200.