I know its usually 200 and under, but when you are on these drugs are doctors aiming for a much lower total cholesterol. On 20 mgs of a stain drug (lovastatin), my total cholesterol is 192. The doctor wants to double the dosage even though I am in the "safe" range. Any comments?
2006-09-06 13:05:31 · 1 answers · asked by Stratobratster 6 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Any websites with this information would be appreciated.
2006-09-06 13:08:13 · update #1
Please excuse my spelling of "when" in the question.
2006-09-06 13:09:18 · update #2
<200 is the only goal for total. The most important to look at though is your LDL and HDL
LDL is the bad cholesterol that causes strokes and heart attakcs. depending on your level of risk, the goal is <130, <100, or <70. It is possible to have a normal total and an LDL above your goal. Ask your doc to explain why he wants to increase the dose. Remeber, your doc can prescribe it, but that doesn't mean it will help. You have to take charge of your healthcare by taking your meds. The easiest way to do that is to understand why he wants to do what he wants to do.
HDL is the good cholesterol that helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. it should be >40.
2006-09-06 14:04:04 · answer #1 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋