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Time for statins? High cholesterol but CT Calcium score of zero...

I am 40 and recently found out my cholesterol is very high (170 ldl, 275 overall).  My primary wanted to prescribe statins, but I asked for a referral to a cardiologist. He had me do CT Calcium Score (which came back at 0), and c-reactive high sensitivity(?) which also came back at no risk. I am at odds as to whether I should go on statins for the rest of my life at this time based on the current low risk level these tests indicate. Any advice?
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Avatar universal
GP did CT Calc score and I was a 1. She stated my HDL/LDL was high and suggested Psylium Husk. My cholesterol level has improved. Natural and no Statins.
Good luck
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Avatar universal
I'm in the same boat. CT scan of 0. Why the heck would we go on statins? Makes no sense. Especially if you start comparing CT scans. My Triglicerydes are so high my organs should be shutting down. but my CT is pristine. really cool to see the images if you get a chance.
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Avatar universal
Are you on B.P. Meds. Older Beta Blockers like Atenolol raises cholesterol raise LDL -lowers HDL-raises blood sugars and trigs.
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1 Comments
Milk Thistle can lower cholesterol produced by the liver and also detoxify's  liver.
Avatar universal
Remember statins damage mito... If you take em... Add in coq10
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973741 tn?1342342773
I'm a proponent for the statins.  My husband had high cholesterol at your age.  He eats a fairly healthy diet, exercises regularly and still had high cholesterol.  It has a significant genetic component.  If you want to try to reduce your LDL (which is not at all borderline but significantly over as it should be under 100) through diet and exercise, go ahead and I'd do that anyway even if you take a statin.  Amazingly, I had cholesterol inching up and lost a bit of weight, cleaned up my diet and exercise and have maintained it within normal from this.  But many and I mean MANY can not due to that genetic component and with your numbers being SO high, you are likely going to need help.  My husband started his statin (he takes Lipitor) and it worked very fast bringing his cholesterol down quickly.  He's now below 100.  Statins really don't have many side effects unless you have them.  :>)  Meaning, if you are going to have them, you know right away an they are undeniable.  but if you look at the incidence of that happening, it's far more people who feel no different on a statin than who do.  You will likely have no side effects if you are like most people. They DO do liver function tests as that is the organ that can take a hit if there is a reaction to it.  They catch it through the routine liver function tests early on.  

My advice, get your cholesterol under control.  You have nothing to lose.  good luck
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Thanks for your response!  I am active, eat well, and in pretty good shape, but genetically my parents both have high cholesterol (on statins, in their 70s, no history of heart issues). I agree that the high cholesterol numbers are concerning and a lot of doctors would immediately put me on statins--but I have also seen a lot of cardiology websites that have said that statins should not be recommended for someone who has a calcium score of zero.  Will be interesting to see which side of the fence my cardiologist is on.  
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