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Question about cholesterol and triglycerides: confusing
Hello.
On 10/25/22 i had a cholesterol panel done. My total cholesterol was 315, LDL 215. LabCorp suggested Familial Hypercholesterolemia and my primary care provider put me on a 10mg dose of Atorvastatin. I am 40, don’t smoke, eat healthy, walk 2 miles 6x / week. Slightly overweight but not by a lot. 3 weeks later, my total cholesterol has dropped from 315 to 191, LDL from 215 to 104. However, in that time my triglycerides went up 81 points from 127 to 208. My question is - does my initial lab report seem like a lab error? I’ve been told by another internal med doc that 10mg is not enough to do significant change and that 40mg is the therapeutic dose. And I feel like 3 weeks time is too fast to lower it that drastically. I asked my PCP why my triglycerides jumped up 81 points in 3 weeks and she said “processed food, and the statin will lower that.” So I said “I have not eaten any processed food. And so on the statin it went up 81 points but if I stay on the statin it will go down?” And she said yes. Which, to me, is confusing and doesn’t make sense. I dont want to be on a statin if I don’t have to be, and I am confused by what to do next. I can’t get into an Endocrinologist for 5 months. Can anyone offer advice?
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Large light blue "THE" with two colors of orange "PATIENT REVOLUTION" with some black dots down left side like a menu, but no words ... not seems to link to anywhere else.
A purple "Cart" - but it doesn't do anything, either.
Also, extremely slow to load.
Did a search for Patient Revolution - and, it is listed on google, but none of the various sub-links work, either.
Are you using a phone, tablet or computer? It is a pretty simple website. It's not as easy to use on a phone due to having to use the smaller screen. It also changes the format of the screen if you make your computer window smaller like the screenshot below.
Works on ipad, but not on computer (Mac).
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1 ReactionInteresting...It works on my iPhone and iPad so I went up and tried it on my 2011 iMac with MacOS High Sierra 10.13.6 and it works there too. Wondering if it might be related to a specific Safari or OS version? My Safari on the iMac is version 13.1.2
OS on my MacBook is Monterey 12.5.1 ... will look into why it doesn't work.
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1 ReactionHi there! First, your confusion is totally understandable. The absolute best thing you can do is continue on the path you are on with a trusted doc. I have FH with a peak of untreated LDL of 300, and I related to everything you are saying. I agree that there are diagnostic tests and education you may want to see a cardiologist for. However, working with a doc you trust to explore what is going on with your lipids is critical as your blood affects your heart but also every other organ in your body. http://Www.thefhfoundation.org will be a fantastic resource for you.
As you work through treating your FH it will be helpful to confirm your FH by having a genetic test. There are several different genetic variants each with their unique ways they impact how your body works. Most people can treat FH with straight-forward generic medications that are more beneficial than not taking them. My understanding is lifestyle may help your numbers around 15% so well worth the effort but will not be your end-all.
A diagnosis of FH means you have other family members that are affected as well. The genetic testing process will help you understand how it impacts you and your family. You will really benefit from your providers helping you learn what each of your numbers means and how they relate to each other. Every person is different.
Hi @mayoconnectuser1, The Patient Revolution website has been undergoing some redesign and a lot of the old links are broken. Check out the links under the Resources menu here - https://www.patientrevolution.org/. The one I think that could be helpful for a lot of members is the Tools for the Healthcare Visit: https://www.patientrevolution.org/tools