Reply #6: statin drugs

[FDRLincoln]

Even with diet, exercise, and all kinds of over-the-counter supplements, my cholesterol never got below 330, with a horrible triglyceride profile. My doctor said that about 75% of your cholesterol level is genetically determined by how your liver works, and that for a lot of people diet and exercise will not solve the problem.

I started taking Lipitor, and after a few weeks my level dropped to 190 with an excellent triglyceride profile.

I know some people here like to bash the pharmaceutical industry, and you'll probably hear some negative things about the statin drugs. I would try the diet and exercise and over-the-counter stuff first, but if it doesn't work the drugs may be your solution. Don't be afraid of them. Lipitor seems to be the best of the group, with the fewest side effects. It's expensive, and hopefully you have good insurance, but it is better than a heart attack or stroke.