Dr. Penchilaprasad Kandikattu
Internal Medicine
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
In October of last year, I had my cholesterol tested. My total cholesterol was 158 mg/dl. I had been on a low-dose statin medication at the time, so I took myself off the statin as I had made significant changes in my diet which I believe lowered my cholesterol to this level (lowest in over ten years). In July this year, I again had my cholesterol tested, and the result was 208 mg/dl. Today I had my cholesterol tested, and it tested at 160 mg/dl. I had a significant decrease in cholesterol levels from one week to the next. The only thing I did differently was start back on a low-dose statin. I am currently on Losartin 10 mg, Celebrex 100 mg, Val acyclovir, Singulair, and Omeprazole 10 mg. But it has only been a week. Do you think the statin had a quick effect or that something is wrong with one or both of the test results?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through your investigation reports. All reports are acceptable except LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol which are very low. You know cholesterol is required for the body to synthesize hormones like glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. So sometimes, lab mistakes will be there. Please repeat the test from different labs and review with reports.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
The LDL was not low in either lab report. In the report, it was elevated to 129 mg/dl, and in the other lab's report, it was 94 mg/dl, which is within the normal range but not low. Besides, would we not want the LDL to be low? HDL was not outside normal limits on either test, so I do not know why you are saying it was low (unless you say a higher number is more desirable, which I understand). Please address my question as to whether or not being back on the statin medication for one week might have influenced the second result.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I did not mean to say higher cholesterol is more beneficial. I can understand your question. Did you not mention which statin you are taking? Usually, Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin will reduce 40 to 50 % of the cholesterol within a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Along with it low-fat diet and regular exercise may reduce it further. ADA (American Diabetes Association) and AHA (American Heart Association) guidelines also suggested that in a healthy person without risk factors, LDL and TC should be less than 100 mg/dl and less than 160 mg/dl, respectively.
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Internal Medicine
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