t have enough self control to lose any weight. I had muscle pain and memory loss with statins, flushing and finally facial swelling with niacin supplements. The memory loss was so bad, I sold my veterinary practice and retired BEFORE the lawsuit. I ran for exercise until I wore out my left knee, now I walk.
Again, these labs are before any medication.
I know someone who recovered from a stroke by taking niacin so I was taking that, but not enough to do much good. Does anyone suggest niacin? Does it have to be taken before eating food or with food? Also does anyone have anything to say about Mona vie- a drink with acai berries in it that seems to make me feel better.
Background: I have engaged a Niacin regimen to cut cholesterol (vs. using statin drugs) because Niacin also raises HDL and cuts LPa and triglycerides (while statins only cut LDL). I have been on this regimen since 2003 and the effect on my cholesterol/triglycerides and LPa has been more than as hoped for. Just as with statin drugs, it is necessary to get regular blood tests (ideally every 6 months) to ensure there is no liver damage.
I just started getting MS spasms; however, last year I was taking a statin & 1000 mg/day of Niacin (*not* niacinamide, which does does not produce the flush) and started having severed cramps in my buttocks/thighs to the point where I could not walk my dog. Found out that niacin is contraindicated for use w/statins, quit taking it. Niacin can lower cholesterol at high doses (my plan). I now take 500 w/out side effects.
(forum) suggested using, in addition to Fish oil for tri-glycerides, niacin. And he said statin users should take CO-enzyme Q 300 mg. But I do not know if these are general recomendations based on research or if they fit my own profile, which is
Triglycerides 89 (lowest they have been)
HDL 51 (has fluctuated between 50 and 68))
LDL 86 (lowest yet)
CK protein 290 (where normal is 40-180).---> I HAVE NO MUSCLE PAIN
ALT 29.
I have very high liver enzyme values from statin use. I've been off of statins since 5-28-10. Can damage be reversed?
I found this interesting podcast from Chris Kresser - RHR: How Your Lipoprotein(a) Level Affects Your Risk of Heart Disease. So from that info find a good quality fish oil. I believe Krill Oil is even better but it's more expensive. There is also niacin (look for non flush niacin) and L-carnitine. And of course look at your diet. You can check out what to eat and avoid on this article from Authority Nutrition: A Paleo Diet Meal Plan and Menu That Can Save Your Life.
A statin has very little effect on HDL and I would think you could bring your LDL down with lifestyle changes.
The easiest way to increase HDL is regular cardio exercise, about 30 - 60 mins most days a week at 75% of your max predicted heart rate (220-age). Make sure to get your doctor's approval before starting any new exercise program.
My cardiologist at Mayo Clinic agreed with me that I was right in going off statins right away (I presented facts and figures and time lines) and suggested that I take plenty of fish oil, watch my diet, keep my weight down, and take niacin (he withdrew that suggestion when I told him a previous physician had suggested niacin as an alternative but what it did was cause serious diarrhea, which is a sign of niacin toxicity).
Did you have a question on adult type 2 diabetes?
Extended release niacin is arguably just as good as any drug on the market in terms of HDL and LDL effect. It can be tough on the liver but if you have normal liver function then its a legit alternative to statins (my father in law's cholesterol used to clock in at about 270 and he had the same reservations as your husband about drugs - niacin has worked very well for him - his cholesterol is now sub 150 and has been for 10+ years).
I just received the results of the Berkley Heart Profile. My father died of CAD at the age of 46. My mother had a coronary artery blockage that was repaired at age 75. I'm a 54 yr. old healthy female non smoker, low BP, 5'5''/128 lb.and live a healthy lifestyle (exercise and diet). My Lp(a) was 114, very high and a fibrinogen of 475. I also see that the LDL particles are primarily large. I plan on a stress test and obtaining a good cardiologist.
I have high LDL chololesterol and was told I have to take a statin drug. One doctor gave me a RX for Lipitor 20 mg SID. Another doctor gave me a RX for Lovastatin 20 mg SID.
The Lipitor will cost me $130/mo., the Lovastatin will cost $5/mo. Aside from the obvious cost difference, which RX is better? The bottom line is that I really do not want to take a statin at all BUT if I have to take one, I want to take what will work the best at lowering my LDL levels.
I am 69 yr old female. New symptoms of dizzy spells + hi systolic, low dystolic #. I do not take bp meds. Bp readings around 160/67 throughout the day with pulse in mid 60's. MD gave me "Vertiserc" (I live in Italy) for dizzy symptoms, but symptoms remain. Other RX p/day= Levothyroxin- 88 mg, Simvastatin-20mg, naprosyn 220mg p/day. Family hx of diabetes, Parkinson, hypothryroid, pancreatic ca.
valve replacement 2001, redid bypasses. I was on 40mg Lipitor and 500mg no-flush niacin for a number of years with moderate sucess. I subscribe to the Cleveland Clinic Heart Newsletter. In the July 2007 issue there was suggestion that 1,500mg niacin was a good statin supplement. Starting in July 2007 I followed this suggestion, taking 1,500mg slow-release niacin with the Lipitor. I have biannual blood tests.
40 mg is not high, it's the norm. Dosage of Simvastatin ca be as high as 80 mg. I am curious why you are on a statin with a total cholesterol of 160. What s your breakdown by LDL & HDL and do you have any risk factors of CAD currently? Plus, if your script was for 20 mg I would question the pharmacy about receiving 40 mg.
Let us know when you can and we can speak more accurately about your dosage.
That's quite a story. The most important thing I take from your numbers is your low HDL. Even if your LDL is just slightly over 130 as you suspect, your low HDL makes your system act as though it's really higher than that. Personally, I think a statin is still a good idea. In addition to lowering your LDL, statins are shown to have a slight impact on raising HDL as well.
i have had very high cholestrol, i have worked on losing weight and exercising, eating healthy too, i've also had niacin b3 in my diet, i came across a homeopathic medication and many others ive posted on here, i havent yet checked my cholestrol levels but i believe this will work, again i have pasted a link below fromt he internet about this
http://www.ijpsonline.com/article.asp?
Since my July 1000 reading, I stopped the statin and niacin for two weeks and was going on a 2 week vacation overseas. I returned on a sunday and had a stiff /sore neck for 2 days prior to coming come and a full body massage hours before leaving, and an uncomfortable 16 hour direct flight home...my cpk on drawing 3 days after my return, was 3888. Aldolase was 26. Only symptoms was the syiff neck...liitle better, but still there. Repeat cpk a day later was 3400. Normal thyroid tests.
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