Is high cholesterol really a problem?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: All kinds of Cholesterol Pills give me side effects — muscle ache, bone ache, stomach ache, head ache, and my mind gets blurry. I have tried all and cooperate with the doctor, until I can no longer tolerate. From last year to August I did not take anything but I felt good. But the cholesterol went up. I read from Dr Whitaker, that the cholesterol thing is just a crazy non-founded phenomena since the liver produces the cholesterol and our body needs it. Is this true?
A: It is true your body makes cholesterol and cholesterol performs needed transport functions in the body. However, too much cholesterol is not good. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise and eating foods high in fiber can help lower your cholesterol. To learn more about cholesterol lowering lifestyle changes go to: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=523
Tags: cholesterol, cholesterol level, dr whitaker, heart attack, Heart Health, high cholesterol, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, lower your cholesterol, Medical Conditions, side effectsBenefits and risks of low dose aspirin
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: Quite lately, I heard a doctor on Fox news extra indicate that the continued use of low dose aspirin to mitigate cardiovascular risks, has been researched and found to be pose some complications. He advised that the use be discontinued. I had to stop the use of low dose Aspirin. What do you think?
A: Low dose aspirin can cause serious bleeding. The risk of a serious bleed needs to be weighed against your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Not everyone has a high enough risk of a heart attack or stroke to make it worth the risk of serious bleeding from aspirin. In addition, recent studies have shown that some people don’t get any benefit from taking aspirin. You should make the decision about taking or not taking aspirin with the help of your doctor.
Tags: aspirin, cardiovascular, heart attack, Heart Health, Heart Health, low dose aspirin, Misc, strokeHow to lower pulse pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I’m 71 years old and have a high pulse pressure (in the 60s and sometime 70s) which I understand indicates that my arteries are getting stiff. Is there any way to achieve lower pulse pressure?
A: Getting your blood pressure into good control will help lower your “pulse pressure” (the difference between the maximum and minimum blood pressures produced during one heartbeat). In addition, a regular aerobic exercise program will help. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling and household chores like sweeping and mopping the floor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, arteries, blood pressure, blood pressures, Diet & Exercise, Heart Health, lower pulse pressure, pulse pressurePositive health benefits of fruit, cinnamon
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: Have you heard of any research that has been done of any benefits of cinnamon (or cinnamon pills), Vitamin E, or certain citrus fruits like oranges and bananas that may help in lowering blood pressure?
A: Current studies are looking at the positive health benefits of many common substances such as cinnamon. Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick stirrer may be doing more than just getting you warm on a cold day. Eating fresh fruits like bananas and oranges is known to be healthy. For more information on why eating fruit is good for your body click here.
Tags: bananas, benefits of cinnamon, cinnamon stick, citrus fruits, Diet & Exercise, fresh fruits, health benefits, Heart Health, hot apple cider, lowering blood pressure, oranges, positive health, vitamin eCod liver oil pills
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: Are cod liver oil pills the equivalent of the Omega 3 fish oil supplements?
A: Cod liver oil pills are a type of an Omega 3 fish oil supplement. Cod liver oil pills are made from the liver of cod fish. The pills contain a high amount of the Omega -3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Also they contain significant amounts of vitamins A and D. You should talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
Tags: cod liver oil, cod liver oil pills, dha, Diet & Exercise, fatty acids epa, fish oil supplements, Heart Health, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3 fish oil, omega 3 fish oil supplements, supplement, SupplementsVegetarian sources of fish oil
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: I’m a vegetarian. Is there a vegetarian substitute for fish oil?
A: Vegetarian sources provide ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid) which is a different omega 3 fatty acid than the DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) found in fish oil. An easy to find oil that is rich in ALA is flax seed oil. For more information click here.
Tags: alpha linolenic acid, dha, Diet & Exercise, eicosapentaenoic acid, fish oil, flax seed oil, Heart Health, omega 3 fatty acid, vegetarian sourcesNiacin dosage to lower cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009
Q: How much niacin should be taken to help lower high cholesterol?
A: You should discuss niacin use with your doctor. How much to use, if any, is usually based on cholesterol levels and co-existing medical problems. For more information about niacin and dosing ranges, click here.
Tags: cholesterol level, cholesterol levels, Heart Health, high cholesterol, lower cholesterol, niacin, niacin dosage, SupplementsConnection between BP, cholesterol and blood sugar
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009
Q: What is the connection between high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and high blood sugar level? Do the drugs for high blood pressure control cause diabetes?
A: Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure all increase the risk for developing a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining normal weight will help prevent all three. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure do not cause diabetes but may increase the risk of developing the condition.
Tags: blood pressure control, blood sugar level, bp, cause diabetes, drugs, healthy diet, heart attack, Heart Health, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood sugar level, high cholesterol, Medical ConditionsDiet for diabetes and high cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009
Q: I have type 2 diabetes, my bad cholesterol is high and my good cholesterol is low. I need some advice about my diet.
A: A diet that helps get your sugar in control will also help with your cholesterol. The national library of medicine provides excellent dietary guidelines and tasty recipes. Similar information from the American Diabetes Association is available.
Tags: american diabetes association, Diabetes, Diet & Exercise, dietary guidelines, Heart Health, high cholesterol, national library of medicine, tasty recipes, type 2 diabetesChelation therapy
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 28 2009
Q: I recently was told I have not only a blood pressure reading of 148/95, but high cholesterol, as well. I am now 60 and have an extremely stressful life. However, I have an awesome diet and do not smoke, am not overweight, etc. I am currently trying to make even more modifications to my diet, lifestyle, and just have purchased Resperate, which I love. What is your opinion on Oral EDTA Chelation Therapy?
A: Chelation therapy has been around a long time but, in my opinion, the scientific data just isn’t there. For an excellent discussion on chelation therapy by the American Heart Association, click here.
Tags: american heart association, blood pressure, chelation, edta chelation therapy, Heart Health, Misc, RESPeRATE
