High cholesterol: What have you done to lower your cholesterol?

In the year's time that I started taking calcium+D3+K2 for bone density treatment, my LDL cholesterol dropped 20 points. And that is with no significant changes to diet, and with less exercise since I had a knee issue that was preventing me from doing the usual amount of exercise.

There are studies showing that vitamin K2 can help lower cholesterol. Also, D3+K2 are good for getting calcium to your bones.

I beg to differ, Brazil nuts can send you right into the emergency room! People are not supposed to eat more than two or three a day!

Hello: I am a 74 year old very active woman with familial high cholesterol.
I’ve been on various statins for years which have helped lower my LDL but eventually they cause muscle pain and I try a different brand. I exercise 7 days a week, follow a Mediterranean diet, and eat no junk or processed food. Even though my recent calcium scan was zero, my cardiologist wants me to start taking Crestor but after reading the side effects I don’t think I’m going to.

Has anyone taken Crestor and if so, did you have side effects from the drug?

My feeling is since my calcium score was zero and cardiac nuclear stress test did not show evidence of heart disease, why continue taking a statin since I’m 74 years old.

Thank you

How lucky are you to have 0 for a calcium score. Are your cholesterol levels good? I would find another doctor if it makes no sense. Is it bc of your age, preventative? Statins are not tolerated well by a lot of people. If I didn’t have to be on one, I would certainly say no if it is just preventative.

I have been on a statin for 3 years and have had no side effects. My dad had heart disease and had a MI at the age of 65, had stents placed but they did not stay open so he had a CABG at 65. If you have a family history you may want to look at taking a statin if recommended. It just puts a different twist on whether or not to take a statin.

I should add that I take Crestor.

So, you have great CAC score, but your doc is prescribing statins? What for ... I'm assuming something else ... high cholesterol ... so, what are the numbers?

What was the result of your stress test with echo?

I was on atorvastatin for years to keep cholesterol in check. However, it wasn't enough to prevent episodes of high blood pressure, a calcium score index of 194, chronic right bundle branch block, and a mildly enlarged left atrial size. I was put on higher doses of statins and amlodipine along with Losartan and Zetia. That caused severe myalgia when walking and swelling in the legs. And for the first time in my life I suddenly felt like I was in old age. At 75 years old, Mayo Clinic helped me find the correct medication regimen, i.e. Praluent, Carvedilol (a beta blocker), Losartan and Zetia. Now I feel normal again. I've been taking fish oil all along to raise HDL. LDL has come down from the 160-180 range to the 100-120 range, so in addition to regular waking (a 1/2 to a mile a day) I am trying to reduce weight by 15 lbs (6' tall, from 190 to 175lbs) before considering a higher dose of Praluent. I firmly believe that one needs to be in charge of his or her own health with the help of experts you can find at institutions like the Mayo Clinic. I hope my informaton helps others.

You're working it! Great!

LDL still seems pretty high - 50ish is the new norm that folks are seeking. Are you satisfied with 100-120?

Exercise and diet are the best.
Look at food ingredients, and stay away from high cholesterol foods and red meat. Dairy is especially not good.