Re: Is statin appropriate to raise HDL?
From: GaryG (garyg_at_shasta_SPAMBEGONE_software.com)
Date: 08/26/04
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Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2004 21:56:27 -0700
"DC" <matenaje@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:5IWdna2P7Z9IwrDcRVn-jQ@comcast.com...
> Male, age 46
> Weight, normal
> Borderline High BP, taking Ziac to keep it controlled.
> Recent Bloodwork:
> Total Chol = 119
> LDL = 64
> HDL = 34
> TriGly = 107
> Glucose = 87
>
> My (new) family doc wants me to start on Pravachol with the primary
purpose
> being to raise my HDL levels.
>
> After doing my research, I don't necessarily agree, and it seems
> diet/excercise and perhaps Niacin would be better first choices. The lipid
> ratios seems pretty good, although I do recognize that the HDL is low by
> accepted standards. I really don't feel like taking the statins, though,
> unless I can convince myself that it's really necessary.
>
> Does anyone take statins just to raise HDL?
>
> Is having a low HDL a risk by itself if the lipid ratios are all
favorable?
>
> Any thoughts or opinions (or facts) are welcome. Thanks.
>
>
It's my understanding that statins only lower LDL, and don't do much for
HDL.
I use niacin myself, with good results. AFAIK, it's one of the few
substances known to raise HDL.
Eight years ago I was: 234 total cholesterol (HDL=40, LDL=166,
Triglycerides=137). Untreated, my total cholesterol bounced around between
230 and 260, despite maintaining a decent weight and plenty of exercise.
FWIW, I'm male, 51, with a significant family history (my dad died of a
heart attack at age 47).
My most recent cholesterol screen earlier this year showed Total
Cholesterol=181, with HDL=75, LDL=91, and Triglycerides=70.
I take 3000 mg of standard (not slow release) niacin per day - 2000 in the
evening before bed, and 1000 in the morning. I also eat a healthy diet and
maintain my weight (BMI=23.5) and exercise, but I'm pretty sure the niacin
contributes most to my success in lowering cholesterol.
The niacin takes some getting used to, due to the flushing effect. You need
to start out with small doses, and take them religiously. Over a couple of
months you can work up to higher dosages as your body builds up a tolerance.
I hardly ever notice the flushing effect now, unless I forget to take the
niacin for a day or so...but, YMMV (some people can't get past it, but I
find less side effects than when I tried statins).
Note: you will need to consult with your medical provider and get some lab
tests after your start on the niacin, to make sure it's not screwing up your
liver (the same sorts of tests are required with the statin drugs). Also,
because it's not prescribed you may have to pay for the niacin out of
pocket. I'm self-insured with no drug benefits, so the low cost of niacin
appeals to me (it costs me less than 8 cents per day, buying in bulk from
CostCo).
The best book I've found on the subject (although the author is a bit too
much of an evangelist for my taste) is "Cholesterol Control without Diet:
The Niacin Solution":
-- GG http://www.WeightWare.com Your Weight and Health Diary
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