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 effectsNiacin 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, SupplementsWhat should my cholesterol level be?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 03 2008
Q: All of the info I read about cholesterol says it should be below 200. However, my navy flight surgeon from years ago who is now an alternative medicine doctor, says at my age (73), it should be 220, which it has been for years. He also says to stay away from aspirin and statins which I am taking. What do you think?
A: In a healthy adult, a total cholesterol level of less than 200 is considered good. Lower levels are recommended for people with certain diseases. For a more complete discussion on cholesterol levels click here. Whether or not you should take aspirin or statins depends on your overall health status and your risk for heart disease. This is a decision that should be made in consultation with your primary care physician.
Tags: alternative medicine, cholesterol level, diseases, health status, heart disease, Heart Health
