HomeAnswersCardiologycholesterolIs Statin necessary for high cholesterol?

Can Statins be avoided in cases of high cholesterol?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Isaac Gana

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At December 31, 2019
Reviewed AtJune 20, 2023

Patient's Query

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?

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

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.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Isaac Gana
Dr. Isaac Gana

Cardiology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

cholesterolstatin

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy