Can cholesterol medications increase LDL levels?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

I saw the files you have attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Interpretation of the test result:

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is normal. There is no deficiency of hemoglobin, and red cell indices are normal. Kidney function test shows all values as normal except mild elevation in blood urea nitrogen (BUN). It could be due to dehydration, a protein-rich diet, etc. However, other kidney function parameters are normal, so this value of BUN should not worry you. Iron profile tests are within the normal range. Compared with the last report, iron and iron saturation are increased. It indicates no iron deficiency state in the body. The liver function test (LFT) shows total and direct bilirubin to be normal. The alkaline phosphatase enzyme is normal.

Typically the range for normal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is reported between ten to 40 units per liter and alanine transaminase (ALT) between seven to 56 units per liter. The range varies from laboratory to laboratory. Accordingly, your AST and ALT enzyme values are above the range according to your laboratory value. Still, this value is mildly elevated, and no worry at this value also, the total bilirubin level is within the range. You may need to follow up on LFT to see the values again of the liver enzymes. Serum albumin is 5.0, which measures the synthetic function of the liver. It is also normal. In lipid profile all values are within range except total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol. It should come down. Are you taking any lipid-lowering medicine? Vitamin D (25 - hydroxycholecalciferol) is the storage form of vitamin D, and your value is 55.0, suggesting adequate storage of vitamin D. There is no deficiency at all. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D and is also normal. Lyme immunoglobin Ig M or Ig G is negative.

Please follow up if you have any queries.

I hope you find my reply helpful.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There are many reasons for increased total cholesterol in our body. But, mostly, there is an increase in the cholesterol in our body due to lifestyle and food intake. Foods rich in saturated and trans fat, lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and smoking, obesity, increasing age, and some cholesterol problems run in the family as a genetic diseases. The liver does have a vital role in regulating cholesterol in our body. It makes lipoproteins carry cholesterol to other body parts to synthesize important hormones and get rid of the excess cholesterol through bile. Excess cholesterol can increase the risk of fatty liver disease called steatosis.

So you asked whether this increase could be related to your liver: I do not think so at this liver function test (LFT) value. The increased cholesterol reflected in the report is because of the abovementioned risk.

However, if this cholesterol is not regulated through exercise and diet plan in the upcoming time, it may increase the risk of steatosis. So you need to change your diet plan, remove any risk factors, and exercise to keep cholesterol in check. If needed, lipid-lowering medicine can be taken to lower the value.

I hope I can clear your doubt.

Thanks.