Learn about this common yet serious condition and the various ways to mitigate it, including
cholesterol awareness and management
USER SUBMITTED Q & A
Q:
How can I get rid of the plaque that is in my arteries now?
One of the best ways to decrease plaque and keep your body from depositing plaque in your arteries is to follow a low cholesterol diet, regular exercise, stop smoking (if you are a smoker), lose weight if you are overweight and speak with your physician to find out if you need medications in addition to following all of these recommendations. There are studies regarding the use of certain statins and their effects on plaques in arteries.
Q:
I've been taking fish oil supplements for the past 3 years, my cholesterol levels were high in the 400 range, my trygliceros where very high 800 range. In December of 2008 my blood work came back good, and I dropped everything to the 200 and I continue to take 6 soft gels every morning after breakfast and I also added one 300 ml of Q10 in conjunction. Is the Q10 interacting with the fish oil at all or are they working as well together or should I take it at a different time?
It sounds like you have had great results with the fish oil supplements. I believe you are asking about Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 which is usually dosed in mg (milligrams) not ml (milliliters). CoQ10 is produced naturally by biochemical reactions in the body and needed to maintain the basic function of all cells. CoQ10 generally acts as a catalyst in a biochemical reaction to produce energy at the cellular level. It has been found in the highest concentration in heart muscle. CoQ10 is considered a powerful antioxidant and declines in the body with age. Also, CoQ10 can be found in very small amounts in certain foods and is available as a dietary supplement. There are limited studies regarding the use of CoQ10 in heart failure and there are ongoing studies to establish the exact dosage and efficacy. Finally, to answer your question, there is no interaction between CoQ10 and fish oil
Q:
How can I raise my HDL levels? I don't smoke or drink alcohol or do drugs. I'm not overweight. My blood pressure is 120/70. My lipids are better than average with the exception of my HDL.
HDL is known as the good cholesterol which offers cardiac protection by not allowing cholesterol from depositing in arteries and actually carries fatty acids out of your body. The best way to raise your HDL level is exercise; regular exercise for 30 minutes daily (walking is one of the best forms of exercise available). There are some studies that suggest red wine (in small amounts such as 1 glass) will increase HDL levels. Also, your physician may prescribe niacin or one of the newer statins to raise HDL levels.
Q:
In 2006, my cholesterol was 160, and my HDL and LDL were at very desirable levels. in 9-2009, my number was 192, and the other two , plus triglycerides , were still at very desirable levels. What would make the main # go up so much, I still exercise and eat right. Is it age related, do I need to be concerned.? I am 57.
Well unfortunately this can all be age related. As men and women age, their cholesterol levels increase. Before menopause, women have some added protection and in general, women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men the same age. Of course, all this information must be individualized for each person and take family history and other factors into account.
Q:
I'm taking lipitor 10mg.Is there anything else available that you might suggest that would not be as expensive & work just as well?
Statins is the name of a class of cholesterol lowering medications that lipitor and other brands are listed under. There are a number of statins available as generic including simvastatin, lovastatin, and pravastatin. I think it is best for you to ask your physician which generic would be best suited for your needs.
Q:
What is a good natural vitamin for cholesterol and which one for arteries?
The best advice is diet, exercise and weight loss. In general, there is limited evidence regarding vitamins and dietary supplements for cholesterol and cardiovascular health. That being said, there is some limited evidence regarding the use of niacin, red yeast rice, and fish oil such as omega 3 fatty acid.
Q:
What are the signs and symptoms or the clinical manifestations of athero?
This website, Learnaboutathero.com has a great deal of information about the signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis from each expert; I highly recommend reviewing each expert's video to gain a more complete answer. It is important to remember that many diseases resulting from atherosclerosis are considered "silent diseases" because they do not have many signs and symptoms that can be detected by the patient and usually are detected by your physician or health care professional. These include hypertension, early heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Your doctor or health care professional can help you identify your risk factors and identify physical findings on a complete examination.
Q:
Will niacin help lower cholesterol?
Yes, niacin can help lower cholesterol. Niacin is a B vitamin and at the correct dosage can be beneficial in lowering cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. Niacin is available as prescription form or over the counter; at the dosage needed to have an effect on cholesterol there are often side effects. Some of these side effects include skin flushing, upset stomach, headache, dizziness; which are often poorly tolerated and a reason why patients stop taking niacin. Niacin can be used alone or in combination with other choloesterol lowering medications.
Q:
After AVR+CABG surgery, what is your recommendation for cholesterol BP, and other pertinent factors?
It is important to maintain cholesterol levels to be well within the normal range with specific detail to LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, ensure normal blood pressure control and after a recovery period from any heart surgery to discuss with your physician starting a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
