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How Do I Lower High Triglycerides?

Hello and I would like to know how to treat myself since I have high triglycerides and have had a cpr test done. I sent the results to my cardiologist and he replied he had done all he could and recommended I see a doctor that specializes in inflammation.

I have tried statin drugs but they make my muscles very sore and my triglycerides keep going up. My test showed chol-301,trig 237,vldl 47.40,direct hdl57mg, ldlc 196.60mg. chol/hdl ratio 5,28 ratio. homocysteine 10.9, cbc w/plt test hct 36,2% , comp. panel- eco2 31mnol/l. bun 21mg/dl glu 110 mg/dl alkp 127 u/l.  These were the ones they said were the highest. If you can give me some recommendations, I would appreciate it. Lavonne

Dear Lavonne

The FDA for treatment of high triglycerides has approved a purified Omega-3. The prescription medication is called Lovasa. Your triglycerides are not high enough to qualify for this treatment under FDA approval.  Having said that if you take a pure quality Omega-3 supplement,  this will help bring your triglycerides down.  Reducing the carbohydrates in your diet will lower your cholesterol and inflammation.  The avoidance of Omega-6 excess, which we all are exposed to by the abundance of vegetable oils in our diet, is also critically important to lowering inflammation.

Sincerely,

Dwight Lundell, MD

Stopped Taking Statins, Numbers Went Up

Dear Dr. Lundell:

I had quadruple bypass surgery in 1983, at age 53.  I’m 78 now.  About 7 years later, began taking statin medications.  I haven’t had repeat heart surgery but in 2004, had the first incident of atrial fibrillation followed by a second 9 months later.  I’ve been sedated twice for cardiac version of shock to stabilize heart beat.  That seems to work.  My September 28 tests:  total cholesterol 128; LDL 58; HDL 60, Cardio CRP 1.22.

I read an article about inflammation and stopped taking Lipitor two weeks before my next blood test on Dec. 16. The side effects were loss of mental clarity, disturbing dreams and just felt terrible.  I feel 100% better since stopping them but the numbers did go up:  Dec 16 tests:  total cholesterol 197; LDL 133; HDL 47, Ultra Sensitive Cardio CRP .033.

Is there any concern by the rise in cholesterol numbers?  I am told my inflammation is a good range but should be under 1.   Thank you very much for letting me ask these questions. I appreciate it very much.  I will add all your recommendations in the book.

Ray

Dear Ray:

I am delighted that you had such a good result from your coronary bypass so many years ago. I am also delighted you are feeling so much better having stopped taking statins that you did not need.  The most important number in your lab tests is the high sensitivity CRP. Congratulations on having such a low number.

The slight rise in cholesterol is of no concern to me especially since you are feeling so much better.  There is an inflammatory component to atrial fibrillation so I encourage you to increase your dose of fish oil as this may help you stay in sinus rhythm.

Sincerely

Dwight Lundell MD

My 59 Year Old Husband Had A Stroke

Hi Dr. Lundell - My husband had a stroke a little over a year ago. He was 59, and had none of the five risk factors. I see that your main thrust is heart health but you caught my eye with your comments about statin drugs. My poor guy is dragging around taking statin and bp meds, his life-style is totally crushed. I feel like a 70 + yr old was left in his place. Does the info you’ve provided apply to stroke victims as well? Thanks in advance for your reply. Stephanie Beriault

Dear Stephanie,

Sorry to hear your husband suffering at such a young age. The recommendations in the book will definitely be of benefit to stroke victims as well.  If you use the supplements and dietary advice in the book and get him to lose as little as 10% of his excess body weight, it is quite possible his lipid profile will improve enough your doctor will agree to discontinue statin drugs.  I saw this happen many times during our experience in the weight loss clinic.

Best wishes for good health for you both,

Dwight Lundell MD

Concern My Cholesterol Is Above 300 And Triglycerides 600 Plus.

Dear Dr. Lundell,

My cholesterol has been high for the last twenty years above 300, tryglicerides 600 plus, shall I be concerned even though is a familial problem?  Thank You

Manuelina

Dear Manuelina,

I’m not very concerned about the cholesterol but the triglycerides are a significant problem and increase your risk of heart disease.  Triglycerides can be brought under control by reducing carbohydrates in the diet as recommended in the book.  The FDA has approved fish oil for the treatment of elevated triglycerides.  You may need as much as 4 to 6 g per day to bring under control.  It is important and encourage you to do these things that will help you bring it down.

Best wishes for good health,

Dwight Lundell MD

Will Lowering Inflammation Help With Arthritis?

Dear Dr. Lundell:

I have decided to order your book but I would be oblged if you could answer a question for me. I do believe that inflammation is the cause of many ailments, I suffer from athritis, and I wonder if your advise would benefit me in that respect.  Thank you,

David W. Thorpe.

Dear David:

I hope you enjoy the book.  The recommendations in the book to lower inflammation in the cardiovascular system also apply to the joints.

There are many articles in the medical literature indicating that fish oil in doses up to 6 Grams per day are beneficial in relieving discomfort and lowering the need for the medications.

Dwight Lundell MD

Statins, Omega-3 and Inflammation

Hi Dr. Lundell,

I just bought your book and am excited to read it. My cholesterol readings arenormal, my C-Reactive Protein is .079. My doctor wants to put me on statins for preventative reasons. What do you think of that? I don’t want to take them.

I’ve read that statins reduce inflammation. I also know Omega-3 reduces inflammation. Wouldn’t it be better to take Omega-3? Thanks very much,

Beverly

Dear Beverly,

With normal cholesterol levels and a low C-reactive protein there is absolutely no reason to give you a statin drug especially since you are female. Statins do seem to lower inflammation to a small degree, but Omega 3 is much more effective and has no side effects.

Dwight Lundell M.D.

How Long Do I Have To Take Statin Medications?

Dear Dr. Lundell:

For years, I have taken the following: Lipitor, Plavix, Altace, Carvedilol and Zetia.  Do I have to continue them for the rest of my life?  It has destroyed my sex life and my marriage.  I live in Miami.  Can I have an appointment with you?

Thanks,

George

Dear George:

I really cannot interfere with your Doctor, but I think that if you begin to do the things that are recommended in the book, such as taking Omega 3, CLA and cutting down on the carbohydrates in you diet and increasing your exercise you will find that your lipid profile will improve to the point that your Doctor will agree to take you off, I have seen this many times. Wishing you success.

Dwight Lundell M.D.

What about Niacin, Pantethine, and D-3 supplements for heart health?

Dear Dr. Lundell,

What about Niacin, Pantethine, and D-3 supplements for heart health?

Thanks,  Lawrence

Dear Lawrence:

Niacin and pantethine are part of the B vitamin family and are important. The most important one to supplement is vitamin D3 because we are much more likely to be deficient in D3 than the others if we are eating a normal diet. Supplementing all three would not be harmful.
Dwight Lundell, M.D.

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