Can Statins be avoided in cases of high cholesterol?

Question

Hello doctor,

Recently prescribed by ARNP low dose of statin, but prefer trying diet limited to 200 mg cholesterol with average daily of 100 mg plus E-revise 5 days a week to lower with supplements instead. I am a 64 year old female. Do not smoke. Do not drink. Trying to lose 20 lbs. I have a total triglyceride of 243 mg/dL and HDL of 58 mg/dL. Is statin necessary? Or other testing like stress test?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

When patients present to me in the hospital with a similar presentation considering your age, family history, I commence them on Statins initially. You should use Statins for at least a month or two before trying out the option of diet or other natural methods. At your age it is slower to loose weight. So, yes, it is necessary that you use Statins for at least the first 1 to 2 months till your total cholesterol has dropped to at least 200 mg/dl before continuing with diet and supplement. Perhaps, Statins rarely have side effects. You do not need stress test now. It is mostly indicated when you are having symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. For now it is not necessary. I advise you take the Statin for a couple of weeks first. You can switch to diet and supplement once your total cholesterol is below 200 mg/dl. Also, continue with all other medications as prescribed. Hopefully, you will be fine. Best regards.