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, 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 diabetesNiacin to treat high cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009
Q: I take norvasc and zocor. I would like to know if there is a non prescription herb you can take for high cholesterol. There are so many rumors about cholesterol medications side effects. I hate taking medications but am willing to take something that is natural.
A: Vitamin B3, otherwise known as niacin is a non-prescription supplement that has beneficial effects on cholesterol. It is also available in prescription strengths. Many people prefer taking a statin such as Zocor to niacin because of the common side effect of skin flushing. You certainly should discuss this alternative with your doctor. For more information on niacin, click here.
Tags: Heart Health, high cholesterol, Medical Conditions, niacin, Norvasc, side effect, side effects, supplement, vitamin B, Zocor
