Question: I have a very elevated C-reactive protein, 4.65H mg/L. My father died of a sudden heart attack at age 59. I am 56, 5'10", 190. My cholesterol is over 200 and LDL is 156. I tried a statin but it affected my liver. I also have high blood pressure and am taking Benicar HCT 40/12.5 and Amlodipine 5MG, but it is still high. All of my siblings also have high BP. I exercise moderately three times a week and do not smoke or drink. How can I get my numbers a little better in line before it's too late?
Remember that the C-reactive protein, CR may elevate with injury, infection or inflammation anywhere in the body. You did not mention your HDL cholesterol: this may indeed be one of your most important determinants of risk, so you need to find its value.
If you wish to lower your cholesterol by about 10%, follow a high fiber diet rich in soluble fiber (as opposed to insoluble fiber such as cellulose). Aim for 30-40 grams of fiber daily. You may supplement with Metamucil 1-2 tbsp 2-3 times daily if you wish. Recheck your values after 3-4 weeks. We know your cardiovascular risk is elevated by the presence of hypertension, family history and obesity, so give this a try.
There are many other medication options for cholesterol treatment in addition to statins, so have your true risk evaluated, then customize the aggressiveness of your treatment according to your degree of risk. You clearly need to see your doctor for further advice. Some patients need aggressive control (LDL to less than 70 mg/dl in diabetic/cardiac patients). Others with elevated LDL that is compensated for by wonderful HDL readings (over 60 mg/dl) have minimal to low risk and may not need aggressive management at all with LDL readings like yours.
As a good general rule, most of us would love to have LDL readings under 100 mg/dl, and certainly under 70 mg/dl if possible, so you are right to search for ways to lower yours. Do not forget to continue to avoid smoking, exercise regularly (perhaps even a little more frequently), try to optimize your body fat readings, and follow a well-rounded diet low in saturated fat and high in soluble fiber.
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