Drugs aren’t only way to lower cholesterol
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My son, age 48, has a cholesterol reading of over 700 (18.13). He is now on Lipitor. Why is his reading so high? He seems to be in good health otherwise. Can stress be a big factor in this? — Anon.
ANSWER: Do high cholesterol readings run in either your spouse’s or your family? Heredity can be a major influence for such a high cholesterol level.
The goal for cholesterol is a reading below 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L). Lipitor is an excellent drug, and he’ll know in a short time if it works for him.
If it doesn’t, his dose of Lipitor can be raised. Furthermore, there are other cholesterol drugs that can be used in combination with it.
A new one is Zetia. It has an entirely different action on cholesterol. It blocks cholesterol’s absorption, while drugs like Lipitor stop liver production of cholesterol. This is only one example of drug combinations that can be used.
Your son’s number puts him at high risk for a heart attack at a young age. He must do more than take medicine. He has to change the way he lives life. He must go on a diet where fruits, grains and vegetables are the major calorie sources and where meats, dairy products (except low-fat dairy products) and fried foods are de-emphasized.
He must begin an exercise program that emphasizes jogging, running, biking or walking. If he is overweight, he must reduce. And the most important factor of all: If he smokes, he has no option but to stop.
The pamphlet on cholesterol can put this difficult and misunderstood subject into focus. People can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 201W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.50 U.S./$6.50 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My wife and I are avid readers of your column. We have a question. We both monitor our blood pressure at home, and we measure the pressure in both arms. At times there is a vast difference in reading between the two arms. Why? — C.D.
ANSWER: The pressure in the right and left arms should not differ by more than 10 points. If it does, it could indicate that there is a blockage of blood flow to the arm with the lower pressure. The higher reading is the one that is a reflection of your true blood pressure.
A different reading shouldn’t happen intermittently. Such readings are more indicative that the cuff was not properly wrapped around one of the arms or that there was some other failure in technique.
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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Is it true that chewing gum a lot will increase the size of the jaw? — E.C.
ANSWER: I don’t think so. If it were true, I should have the world’s largest jaw.
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