Re: Is statin appropriate to raise HDL?

From: DC (matenaje_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 09/01/04 

Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 18:47:18 -0500

"Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD" <andrew@heartmdphd.com> wrote in message
news:413647BE.FE24E8A4@heartmdphd.com...
> DC wrote:
>
> > Male, age 46
> > Weight, normal
>
> What is your height and weight.
>

6'3", 190 lbs (BMI ~ 24)

> >
> > 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.
> >
>
> You may be at a higher risk for a cardiovascular event because of
metabolic
> syndrome (MetS). This may be the impetus for your family doctor to be more
> aggressive about raising your HDL.
>

We didn't talk about MetS. I seem to have two strikes (low HDL, taking
antihypertensive). But not the three.

> >
> > After doing my research, I don't necessarily agree, and it seems
> > diet/excercise and perhaps Niacin would be better first choices.
>
> Would agree about the former but the latter is associated with worsening
MetS.

If niacin raises HDL (maybe removes one strike), how does it worsen MetS?
Does it effect triglycerides or glucose? (which are normal now).

>
> > 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?
>
> Some of my patients are.
>
> >
> > Is having a low HDL a risk by itself if the lipid ratios are all
favorable?
> >
>
> Yes.
>

Is it worth finding out the makeup of the cholesterol? i.e. get the
subtypes?

Thanks.

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