When my husband was in his early 40s he was prescribed a statin for his high cholesterol. Within a couple of weeks he was in agony. He stopped taking them and the pain went away. The doctor had apparently never heard of this side effect. So my then extremely obese husband decided to do something for himself. He lost a lot of weight and his cholesterol level went down to a healthy level and he runs 6 miles four times a week.
IMHO that is too much running and he will be having problems with his feet etc. Many ultra-fit people die of heart attacks on runs. Check the literature on the right amount. Consider HIIT which is high effort interval training with breaks over a much shorter time span.
A few years back my cholesterol was over 11. The doctor immediately prescribed statins. Although I filled the script, I didn’t take any. Instead I went to a naturopath. Within three weeks my cholesterol went down to 6. The doctor was flabbergasted. That was five years ago and I don’t have any issues. I refuse to take statin as my brother died from a heart attack and my mum died from heart failure. Both were taking statins. I don’t think cholesterol is as bad as it’s been suggested.
You’re correct - lots of new scientific evidence that cholesterol of different types is essential for good brain health (for the myelination). Now potential links between statins and dementia.
Hi congratulations on reversing you high numbers. What was the biggest thing you learned from your naturopath to reduce your cholesterol levels? Thanks for the information in your post.
@@kathrynleaser5093 apart from some supplements given to me by the naturopath, she recommended a raw food diet as much as possible and eliminate all processed foods and foods that come in packets. Remove all bread and dairy especially milk, including soy,and other nut milks. I was able to eat eggs, meat, chicken and fish (all cooked of course). It was extremely hard at first to follow the recommendations but after a while it wasn’t too difficult.
Dr Malcolm Kendrick wrote a book called The Great Cholesterol Con. He had noticed that half of people who die of heart attacks have high cholesterol, but half don't, so cholesterol can't be the cause of a heart attack. It could just as easily be the lack of cholesterol which causes it.
I stopped taking statins a year ago and replaced them with 1-2 hours of exercise (30 minutes zone 2 cardio, 15 HIT, and 30-45 minutes resistance training). I gave up soft drinks and reduced my consumption of bread and cereals by 80%. Today all my cholesterol levels are perfectly normal. I guess most people shouldn’t take statins.
I did the complete opposite. Doctor highly recommended I start taking statins. I went and picked up my prescription and after further research I decided not to include this harmful drug in my body. I decided instead to cut down on sugar, eat healthier and walk everyday. Best decision I made. Good luck.
Recently found imaging of pre and post statin brains from study . I will never , never go on a statin . My step father is on the list for a liver transplant . The doctors just dont know why his liver is failing. Could it be years of statin use ? Finally ... my aunt works as a rep for the drug companies that promote statins to doctors. She once said to me " Don't ever take statins . They will kill you " . Then there's the fact that the scientist who invented the statin will not take them for his high cholesterol .
Six months on low dose statins strongly impacted (adversely) my cognition-- couldn't think, speak effectively, etc. All good again after I ceased taking it.
@@leenewsom7517 I've cut out all sugar and processed carbs and am working with my doctor to maintain normal blood pressure and normal weight for my height . I also walk one hour every day . Had brain fog from very crazy menopause. I'm still experiencing crazy menopause but getting rid of the sugar and processed carbs fixed brain fog .
@@GreyGhost-r4z Hi there, I just quit altogether, stopped taking it. I was glad to be able to speak and think again in short order. In retrospect, I now recognize the same adverse affects of statins on my mother. Sadly, she was forced to stay on them because the staff there insisted that taking her off after however many years would be "too much of a shock to her system" (and my sister had power of attorney, and so just went with that). 80+ year old woman, no longer walking or talking, living on nursing home mush foods -- why in the world would she have any need to stay on those meds (big pharma $$?)? So they continued to force it down her throat, right up till her passing.
My mother was diagnosed (at 72) with sugar diabetes. A month later had a heart attack, soon after a stroke. She did not have high cholesterol. She went on low carb diet and reversed her diabetes. She waited for an event to change her diet, so sooner would have been better. She also retired at 60 and was pretty sedentary. I think that was part of her heath problem as well.
Thank you Dr. Sullivan. I’ve been on Lipitor for over 30 years since 1997, yet I had a heart attack at which time a stent was inserted in my right ventricle (September, 2003). I also had plaque in both carotid arteries which surgeries were done to clean them out (March & April, 1997). Then in 2020 I went in for another stent. That was not done, instead a quadruple bypass was performed at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in February, 2020. I am now 82 years old and am doing fine. I am 6 foot 2” and weigh 180 lbs. Never been over that weight. I use to run 4 to 6 miles a day as well as 25 miles a day. I don’t do that anymore but I do walk a mile a day. I play golf and bowling. I spend an hour a day on functional exercises. My father, a heavy smoker died at age 48 after 2 heart attacks. My mother lived into her late 90’s.
- True in most cases except for some with genetic conditions. I’m very trim, exercise 4 days a week or more, eat extremely healthy yet I have genetics that prevents my lab numbers from dropping into the safe range. So a low dose statin is necessary in my case and many like me.
High cholesterol isn’t usually genetic. Even people with genetic high cholesterol and triglycerides can have normal levels of cholesterol if they eat low fat, Whole Foods, plant based instead of eating a ton of saturated fat.
Thank you for the explanations! I have been taking a statin for the last 2 years.Despite eating a relatively healthy diet and having healthy HDL there was no lowering my LDL naturally so medication became the necessary answer. At 67 years old I am happy to do anything that may reduce my risk of heart disease. I take a fairly low dose (10 mg) it keeps my readings at a very acceptable level and I am lucky not to suffer the side effects that some people do.
I too couldn't take statins. With or without, the numbers didn't change that much for me anyway. My mother was on very high doses, but her body just countered by producing more. Inflammation seems to be the cause of higher production (in many studies, but chagrined by the pharmaculture) . Mediterranean diet, sunshine, exercise, a good sense of humor and meditation ( really, just living the moment and releasing negative thoughts).. these will help you more than a pill... (IMO). Avoid all processed sugar and substitutes, of course.
I didn't hear much talk about triglycerides and metabolic health. Triglycerides typically rise with sugar and carbohydrate consumption, which in turn provokes the accumulation of small dense LDL particles and an unfavorable advanced lipoprotein profile. Dr. Sullivan has gravitated toward a higher carb diet with the consumption of beans, peas and lentils. I don't know the quantity she is consuming, but one would certainly want to be testing postprandial (i.e. after meal) blood sugar to see whether these starchy foods are provoking a blood sugar rise. Correcting that problem (assuming it's happening) will go a long way to support heart health rather than taking a statin. Another valuable blood test that was not mentioned is fasting insulin. This test is often overlooked. An optimal fasting insulin value is about 5 uIU/mL or less. When consuming excess carbs, there's a good chance one's fasting insulin will be too high.
I have reason to believe that cholesterol and blood sugar is intricately connected. Drs kept wanting me to take statins and when I'd try, it would shoot my blood sugar up immediately. I don't have diabetes and don't want it. So if all a Dr wants to talk about is statins, I fire that Dr.
Thanks for your feedback. You are right on regarding the sugar and Triglycerides. I noticed an increase in mine from too much sugar. I honestly thing sugar (candy, cakes, starches) caused my CAD vice poultry and fish. I am trying to decide of plant base with low sugar/starchy carbs or ketogenic is best for me. IU am leaning towards PB. Again, thanks for sharing. I’ll try to find more info from Dr. Sullivan.
Fixed my issues with extremely low carb/low sugar diet. Carnivore/keto. I will never take lifetime drugs. Proper food intake can correct, at the source.
A friend of mine had a heart attack at aged fifty two. He was slim, reasonably active and ate what appeared to be a healthy diet which included dairy and a little wine. He was subsequently diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia meaning his high cholesterol levels were due to genetics and lifestyle changes would have a limited effect. Nevertheless he stopped drinking wine and eating cheese and butter but also began taking the statins that were prescribed. All this was over twenty years ago and he has been well ever since. Obviously in his case statins were necessary but his lifestyle changes have definitely helped. Many thanks for the video and sending best wishes from the UK.
Having belly fat ia a sign of not having good life style and bad metabolic process. Does he have belly fat although he was slim? Could someone have high cholesterol but no belly fat? Statin may reduce cholesterol level but could it reduce belly fat? Those questions need to be considered before using Statin for long time period.
I am 74, soon to be 75. I am at a point now that a decision should be made. I have fought off taking statins for a few years, but I think I have come to the end. My numbers have not improved no matter what I have done. Thanks for giving us your experience.
This video and the one that preceded this (when you were trying to decide whether to do the gummies or the crestor) we're both very helpful. There is so much conflicting evidence out there between highly respected MD's that it simply makes me crazy.
I imagined that it would be easier for someone like you to find an expert for your health issues. I am glad that you are sharing your information and your health journey.
I had to go off my statin due to a CK level of nearly 500. I still have severe muscle pain from that. I have been off the statin for a year. None of my doctors thought to check my CK. My sister encouraged me to ask to be tested because she had to go off hers due to muscle damage. Anyone taking a statin should be very aware of this side effect. It seems most people do just fine on it, though. The diet information is much appreciated.
No they don't. A huge percentage of people have side effects from Statins and it is covered up in the studies by ejecting people from the study in the first 30 days if they have a side effect. I had the same problem you had and it took months before someone checked my CK levels. Even Rosuvastatin caused muscle and joint pain without elevated CK levels. This women is not doing anyone a favour by saying she will take them. LDL is not the problem. LDL is as good as HDL. It's only when it gets damaged by sugar and carbohydrates, that it becomes a problem. Watch other videos on youtube about LDL cholesterol like the ones by Dr. Robert Lustig.
@@beenflying1 I am not surprised about the coverup. I had a reaction to a blood pressure pill, too. I would love to go off all my medication. I personally think statins are pure poison. I had wondered why my kidney function was wonky. And the doctors want me on Repatha. I am not trusting it either. It took years to finally get a doctor to get me tested to see if my CK level was high. I was called somatic by a doctor for asking for help with the strange and severe muscle pain. It was why I went to see that doctor. He was a rheumatologist. I figured surely he would be able to figure out what was happening to me. It was during the pandemic, and he wouldn't even examine me. It has been a year since I last had a statin dose. My family Dr. told me after going off it that if the pain got worse to go to the ER. The pain was still bad. I didn't go to the ER, though. It wasn't worse, but it was no better. It got a little better over time, but I still have horrible pain that shouldn't even have happened. She said the back pain and swelling may be permanent. Thanks for the video suggestions.
@@beenflying1I thought I had sent this reply last night. My apologies. Thank you for the video suggestions. I am not surprised they are skewing studies. Statins are not the only medication that I have had major trouble with. My neurologist wants me to take Repatha...said that the side effects chances of happening are very low. I choose not to go on it because I seem to get all the rare stuff. My cholesterol has been high since I was in my 20s. But I don't know how my LDL was at that time. I tried for years to find out why I was in such severe pain. I have dystonia. I originally thought it was that my dystonia had spread to my back and hip muscles, but it wasn't acting like dystonia. It is more like a huge charlie horse in one of my large back muscles that is worse at times, but the pain is most of the time consistent. My pain doctor can't do anything for it other than prescribe pain meds. Something I don't like doing. I finally listened to my sister who kept insisting I get my CK checked, and I asked to one of my doctors if they would do a blood test. I went to a rheumatologist during the pandemic when I was in so much pain that I could barely move. He deemed me somatic. He wouldn't even examine me and said my back wasn't swollen. The next Rheumatologist thought I had lupus and a few other disorders. It was like he was pulling things out of a hat. I did like the doctor. He really was trying to find out what was going on. But not one doctor thought to check my CK. I had wondered why my kidney function was wonky. All the symptoms seemed to seemed to accelerate after I took Lovastatin. I was taking Pravastatin before that. I think it should be that the patient's CK is checked if they are put on any statin. Even if they don't show symptoms of muscle or joint pain.
She did mention her hsCRP test came back way above the limit as one reason for her decision, and not just her ldl. I think in this aspect it does hold water.
@@beenflying1 You are so right!! Pharm companies do what ever it takes to convince the public that they have the answers... I think in the last few years we have learned that all too well. Not to mention the conflicts of interest in paying the NIH and the CDC to promote them. Risk to the public be damned!!
Thank you so much for such an articulate, well-informed presentation. I have tried everything---a long-term Mediterranean diet, I swim several miles a week, don't smoke, maybe drink a glass of wine a week, and avoid packaged foods. But like you, I have a hereditary condition and a history in my family of strokes and heart attacks. My cousin became a vegan, which helped him, but I really don't want to go that route. After my latest lipids panel, I have decided to go on a statin. This has been a very difficult decision, and like you, I chucked my first prescription of statins several years ago---never took them. Unfortunately, the numbers keep going up in spite of all the things I do to mitigate the results. Genetics win out in my case, so I especially appreciate you sharing your decision, and it has helped me with own.
Start taking Serrapeptase! Serrapeptase helps prevent plaque build up in your arteries, and it also removes plaque from your arteries! Research it. Must be taken daily! Hope this was helpful for you.
Thank you so much for explaining all of this. I'm currently slogging through the often incomprehensible, or questionable, available data. Your video helped - a lot - to make the information much more understandable. I, too, am trying to make the decision about whether or not to take statins. You've given me new avenues to research. The cholesterol/statin decision is, as you said, a lifelong commitment. Not one to make without some research. Thank for all the help you give us. * No hate here. 🙂
Appreciate your sharing. I also have a slightly elevated LP(a) and also just went on a statin although my arteries are reportedly clear. So far no muscle pain after a month. I have a mild symptom free A-Fib disorder and have had 3 mild strokes. I am slso on a blood thinner to prevent clots from forming. That is all the medications I'm taking and follow a whole food plant based diet which also helps to keep my weight low. Ialso joined a gym that specializes in helping seniors stay active and strong plus woking on brain function. I feel I'm doing everything I can and find doctors only a slight help and sometimes a. detriment in resolving issues that are not cut and dry.
Be careful with reading too much into Calcium Score. I did one and was given a Clear Bill of Health. A couple of months later, I had a 95% blockage in my Lower Decending Artery of my heart, had a luckily mild heart attack and had two stents put in. Just be careful!! I am of normal BMI but had bad family history of cardiovascular disease.
Same here. A very low calcium score but 50-75% blockages in major cardiac arteries. I know why. Smoker, heavy drinker and years of unremitting stress all played a role over the years to get to this point.
Thank you for sharing this! I also have high LPa. It has taken me months to get an appointment with a cardiologist (and I live in a big city). It’s frustrating how slow the process can be. One thing I would like to point out is that the Calcium CT scans only detect calcified plaques. One can have a score of zero and still have plenty of soft plaques. The scan reveals heart disease that has been rather long standing - to the point that the body has healed it with calcification. So a score of zero is good but it doesn’t mean we are out of the woods. I expect to be put on statin and will discuss Crestor with my doctor. I really appreciate you sharing your story. I have also tried dietary intervention and have also slipped up a lot. Maybe two steps forward, one step back until we finally get it dialed in.
I'm taking 5 mg of statin, Rosuvastatin, but only because it is a small amount and was told it would reduce inflammation. From all the studies I've seen it does not reduce cholesterol and cholesterol might not even be our problem, only an indicator that we might have a problem. Every body seems to react differently, but show me the facts.
Hi. Through lots of deep dives in to high ldl levels I've found high insulin resistance is a huge factor in this issue of high cholesterol. Check it out seems rather accurate in controlling high ldl. Best wishes.
Look up Dave Feldman cholesterol. This man has done more research than probably anyone else. He's very knowledgeable and has scientific data to back him up.
That was one of the most evenhanded and logical presentations that I have viewed. One of your points that really struck a note with me was the ability to find a well-trained and experienced medical professional that would be willing to function as you suggested. I am an old retired technical Information Technology professional. It's been my experience and observation that over the years I have witnessed a substantial decline in the quality and care of the US medical industry, physicians and staffs. With a totally FOR-PROFIT system like ours, I doubt that the situation will improve. In fact, I expect it to get worse. Everyone involved seems to think that getting rich is their primary objective. I guess that this should be expected when pharmaceuticals and insurance companies run the entire medical complex. Anyway, I'm really glad that you are well on your way to achieving your personal health goals.
A friend sent me this video and I found it very informative. As a 70 year old female who had never been on medication, I found myself on a mountain of it after suffering a heart attack. Now have 2 stents in my heart. This was something I couldn’t believe had happened to me and it’s been hard getting my head around taking all these pills. I am doing as I’m told, but also taking supplements as recommended by a intergrative / functional doctor in another country where I was living recently. I am in the process of going to another functional doctor to look at coming off these meds. My diet has changed drastically and lifestyle choices as well. As much as these meds are helping protect my heart, I’m concerned about what they are doing to my other organs. Watching this video has got me thinking more. Thank you.
Learned a while ago some of the claims about the protection from statins may not be what you are lead to believe. It has to do with absolute versus relative risk. Works like this. If you have a group of people and you give half statins and half a placebo (sugar pill), the results come out something like this. The sugar pill group, 3% of them have a heart problem. The statin group 2% have a heart problem. Definitely an improvement for the statin group, but it's 1%, or 1 person in a hundred better off. 3 people per hundred for the placebo group and 2 per hundred for the statin group. A 1% improvement. That's what's termed the absolute risk numbers. But the drug companies tend to use the relative risk numbers. They don't count the people from either group who didn't have a problem. So it becomes 3 non statin takers gave a problem versus only 2 if you do take statins or an improvement of 1 person less to have issues out of 3. That's a 33% decrease in issues for the statin takers. A 1% improvement or a 33% improvement due to statins. Both numbers are correct and come from the same trial. Which do you think the drug company sales rep gives to your Dr? Now here's the kicker. Statins increase the risk of diabetes. Thats obviously a bad side effect for statins. Guess which way the drug companies tend to quote that number? Do your homework, make your own decision and best of luck no matter what you decide. PS, I'm not just a bystander here. 2 stents. Took all the meds for 12 months while everything settled down again. Now nothing but some serious diet changes. Not for a moment saying I'm right about this as I really don't know for sure. But that's what I've done.
I am exactly in the same boat as you but refuse to take the statin and blood thiner as my dr. wants me too. What kind of specialist should I check out to help me with this? My cholesterol number are perfect. I am tyhpe 2 diabetic but it is under control and I have been pre diabetic for about five years. thanks. please someone advise.
The people that make Crestor and Lipitor must be smiling after they watch this. It might be a good thing for this good neuro doctor to do a review of relative risk versus absolute risk of statin drugs to understand the 25% risk reduction she referred to in her presentation. She may find that the long tern neuro effects of taking statin drugs might not have been the best decision for her.
That 25% risk reduction is a "relative risk reduction". The "absolute risk reduction" for most statins is around 1% !! So if the rate of heart attack was reduced from 4% of people (not on a statin) to 3% of people (on a statin), that's a relative reduction of 25% but only an absolute reduction of 1%. Most doctors and cardiologists don't understand the difference - and drug companies take advantage of this by only promoting the relative risk reduction. Of course, if doctors were to full explain this to their patients (together with potential side-effects), a lot fewer patients would be willing to take statins. Here are some videos and references to explain it all: Relative vs Absolute risks: Why Relative Risks Are Misleading, and How To Communicate Absolute Risks ruclips.net/video/ELNt0XZYsAQ/видео.html Evaluating the Association Between LDL Cholesterol Reduction and Relative and Absolute Effects of Statin Treatment jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2790055/ Dr. Paul Mason - 'The truth about high cholesterol' ruclips.net/video/rdgS3PuSuyg/видео.html Dr. David Diamond - 'Should You Be Concerned About High LDL-Cholesterol on a Low Carb Diet?' ruclips.net/video/VUMUhp1pSyM/видео.html
Thanks for being truthful for us and informing us of our body not just our brain. You are very informative. I've already had 2 strokes and 100 percent blockage of heart attack. I am not compliant of Crestor already prescribed but now that you mention about CoQ10 I'll be better disciplined in taking the stating. I'm 73 by the way❤❤ ❤
Statins - I believe are the big scam in drug history, it has taken over 30 years for people to figure this out, so sad... people have strokes and heart attacks while taking statins, it's a shame the smartest and the brightest are as dumb as a sack a nails, in this regard.
My dad had a strange chest sensation & a EKG abnormality in his early 70s. He had a stent placed, and was on statins for years. he passed at 96.5 yrs, mind clear as a bell, of basically old age.
Dr Sullivan thank you so much for your videos re statins and sharing your story which paralleled my concerns about taking statins. I was on 20 mg Atorvastatin( Lipitor)… since October 20, 2022. Experiencing and suffering from muscle pain especially my lower legs. On December 14, 2022; I told my GP ( family doctor) about the lower left leg it was so painful even when I’m just sitting. I was told to get compression socks and physiotherapy. I did as I was told and no improvement. Since Atorvastatin, I feel I have brain fog with the chronic bad leg muscle pain which wakes me up in the middle of the night. To date I have not seen my GP except her residents in training. Finally August 16, 2023, another resident listened to my situation. She switch me to 10mg of Rosuvastatin ( Crestor). Muscle not as sharp pain as Atorvastatin (Lipitor) but muscle pain is still there. This is the only medication I’m taking so I am convinced it is statins causing me so grief. Your proactive manner have given me strength to deal with my muscle pain and finally got an appointment with my GP. Thank you again Dr Sullivan 23:11
Im 62 years old ,I have been on statins for ten years now since having a stent put in. Originally I was prescribed Crestor but after a few months I started to notice my hair was getting so thin and I googled the side effects and got my answer. I have been on Lipitor since I supplement with multi vitamins and fish oil and eat a plant based diet , I try to avoid the sugar and processed food and bad oils. Lately I feel like I’m having more stiffness and soreness Less energy and more scary to me more issues with cognition. I’m thinking I need to find something else I think the answer could be in keto and fasting with HIIT style training and I would never give up my fish oil and coq10. But I definetly want to stop the statins
Start taking Serrapeptaseit helps prevent plaque build up in your arteries and it also helps remove plaque from your arteries! Research it. Must be taken daily! Research it. I hope this is helpful for you?.
What a huge help you have been!!! I have an appointment with my cardiologist, Feb, 2025. I currently am on 10 MG of Crestor ( Family History) I was contemplating asking to come off, but after listening to you, Think I need to stay on. The only reason I was thinking about coming off is due to no drinking, never a smoker and walk, on average, 35-40 miles per week. I feel better going into February with more info than I had prior to your video. Thank you!!!
Thank you for your interest in helping others. I have been on 20 mg of Rosuvastatin for over 12 years following CABG (my family is full of Heart issues, both siblings both parents ). My LDL is now 67. and with type 2 Diabetes (also family related) I have for 2 years eliminated fries, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, cakes, candies. I am basically 80% yogurt, Cheerios, wheat bread, and peanut butter. It is wonderful you have not had the muscle issues with the statin my journey has been different but it taught me to be more moderate in physical exertion because the payback by way of the statin was harsh. Thank you for all the people you help by way of your Profession.
If I had diabetes, I would be on a keto diet, which would eliminate cereals and breads. Keto can reverse diabetes, but you are off to a great start by eliminating sugars and highly processed foods.
What type of yogurt ? Greek whole fat plain is best, Cheerios, wheat bread and peanut butter are highly processed and spike your glucose. Try a Keto diet to help cure your type 2 diabetes.
what diabetic meds are you on ....with diabetes..all those carbs and crestor...im curious as to your A1C..meds and dosage..im also a type two diabetic....
Good morning from The Bahamas. Congratulations on your excellent information, and, I am sorry all Doctors are not forced to listen to your Channel. I have a battle with many who prescribe medications for every deviation in test results. In the past, I have suffered nerve pains in my legs from taking Lipitor, and, pains in my arms, and fingers, from taking Crestor. I shall take your information in this episode to a Doctor, and, have him write an order for me to have the tests of which you speak, so, I can make an informed decision in my own care as I am now 73 years of age. Thank you for your courage, and, honesty in revealing your personal experiences to help others.
Statin really messed with my girl friend , After only taking a few she had a major personality change . It took two years of detoxing to get her back again . Modern drugs cause you more harm than do good
I'm now 10 years into the highest dose of Artovastin..80mg...brought my levels down to normal in just a few months and 10 years later I'm getting perfect lab results twice a year..no side effects..not stopping now...
Good for you.I was more than 10 yrs on statins and few weeks ago got such a pain of my muscles.For one week I am stopping now the statins, the pain is getting smaller.After one week I will check my cholesterol if its not too high and am not sure what I will do than.
I was on rosuvastatin for 4 years starting with 5,10,20 and then 40mg (increased every year). Then I found out I had osteopenia and wanted to start doing some weight resistance training. I decided to go off my statin for a few weeks to see if the pain in my knees which felt like tendon/ligament knee pain would go away. 3 weeks later I feel 20 years younger, knee pain gone and also numbness in feet not as bad. Every year that I went for a checkup the new guidelines are to get the LDL lower and lower. My LDL went from: 146, 131, 117 ,103, to 89 over the years, new guidelines aiming at 70. This accumulative effect was too much for me.
I am feeling this. 54, not overweight, don't smoke, not pre-diabetic, low triglycerides and low blood pressure. And yet...... the doctor prescribed statins. I said give me two months. I'm going to try and go for a ten minute run every day, up and down the road... not too far. I'm going to take plant sterols and vitamin d. Then I'll see if that works. Even if it hasn't, not sure I'd want to take statins. I feel intuitively that i'm very healthy. Am I delusional though? hmm. The person who's delusional is the last to know.
I made the difficult decision as well to start statins (Crestor) and I fought this for a several years. Tried just supplements and although it helped it didn't give me the numbers I need. I've been watching a doctor on RUclips who also came to the same conclusion that he also had to start statins. In some situations you just need to make that hard decision. I am doing the exactly the same as you. I am taking a very low dose of Crestor along with my Bergamot supplements (which has helped) and hoping I will get some good results. Also take CoQ10, Vitamin D3/K2, Flaxseed/Psyllium and Salmon Oil. I've always exercised so that did not help my cholesterol but will continue. Sometimes it's just in the genes.
Thank you Dr. Sullivan for all your research and for explaining everything in an easy to understand way. Both of your statin related videos were very helpful. I hope you are having very positive results and would love to see another update video.
Thank you for your comprehensive video on statins, there is such a tendency for doctors to do a simple test and order prescriptions that many of us are a little cynical. They are not able to explain all that you included, so that we can make a good choice and feel good about it. So often we are told to take this or that only to find out later that, new studies show, it was harmful! Ever since prescription drugs have been advertising, they have really muddied the waters with their claims! I feel more informed before talking to my doctor who prescribed Crestor based on one test, in the past, I went off of it myself and the test I had a year later was good. Just recently, my test was good but he wants to discuss statin again. Very helpful video, thank you!
Thank you for his video. I too have been struggling with high cholesterol. You have given me some avenues I can pursue. I’m not getting a whole lot from my primary other than you need to be on a statin. Thank you so much!
Thank you Dr. I am sharing your experiences with my wife who is dealing with this dilemma in nearly identical circumstances and timeline. Your expertise and scrutiny on the subject will help our understanding and ease her mind on decisions made. Good luck to you!
Thank you for this video. I feel blessed, you give information in a straightforward way that helps us make informed decisions. I have been waiting to find out what your decision was and how you made it. My doctor has been asking me to use a statin for quite some time. I finally gave in and agreed to try crestor/rosuvastatin. Now that I have listened to both your lectures I feel more confident in giving statins a go. My family have a history of diabetes and heart problems. Although a vegetarian, I am still making life/diet changes to improve my life chances.
I think you'd most likely find a 'lipidologist' at a University Medical Center that includes a Medical School and a teaching hospital. I have genetically high lipids and I have all my healthcare, particularly my Lipidologist Cardiologist at UCSD (University California San Diego) Medical Center (or now they call themselves UCSD Healthcare). My entire healthcare experience, (Diabetes, Arthritis, Urology, Heart Failure), is greatly improved due to the teaching or education culture of the entire UCSD system where questions and questioning are respected and honored.
Wow my story is similar asI am also on 5 mg of Crestor (rosuvastatin)as well!! (I am doing the right things too as well). No issues. Tried all the supplemental stuff that did nothing. I tried and tried! I also had a CAC score come out a 50…..I decided that it would be smart to try the statin. I have been on for 3 months now and had bloodwork. LDL went from 200 to 130 and the other numbers are great. Its crazy how it works!! I agree with you that we MUST be our own advocate and do what WE BELIEVE is right. There are so many statin haters etc. We need to ignore that. Thanks for your video!!! 😊
A million things went thru my mind when I heard your decision. Some of it was a bit of disappointment for both of us. I wish there was another option. I have been off Crestor for 6 months. I also stopped my bp meds about 6 weeks ago. I am so fed up b/c docs have no time to explain all the details nor do I have the $ for supplements. I hate pills 💊 b/c of all the side effects that I’ve had esp. with statins. I had to weigh the benefits vs risks. It’s a tough choice to make. Good luck to you. Thanks for sharing.
I just got off statin after 7 days of taking it. I said yes, too soon to the cardiologist. After researching, I found of all the after effects and leave it to my liver working for my body, not a chem drug. My Chem Stress test and CAC was fine. I am taking Red Rice Yeast, Omega 3 (Fish Oil), Uric Acid Flush vitamins. Exercise 3 mile walk a day. I think I can fix my 231 on my own. I weight 138 @ 5’3” and am 57.
I tried Red Yeast Rice first, and that gave me muscle aches. So I called up my doctor and got him to prescribe generic Crestor. I have zero side effects from this and I'm delighted that my cholesterol is below 150, my LDL is below 70 and my hs-crp is 0.8. I'm also eating whole-food plant-based. I'm almost 70 years old.
Plenty of people still have stroke or heart attack at cholesterol levels that low (my father-in-law being one) and even more get cancer. All cause mortality doesn't change with cholesterol lowering. Hdl vs triglycerides are more important and maybe Apo B. Calcium Scoring CAC might be a good idea to get.
Thank you so much. I am in a similar situation, facing this decision. As a retired engineer and military pilot, I was shocked as an active and weight appropriate male that does keto and carnivor (80%) and intermittent fasting to find out I had some plaque build up and minor calcification (increasing K2D3) in my arteries. I have had elevated total cholestral (230 ish) all my life, but always had a very high HDL to LDL ratio, so the doctors didn't feel it was a problem. Now it is and I am seeking information to make a similar decision. My VA provider has prescribed the same medication and dosage as your prescription, but I want to get an accurate picture at the beginning before I start. So I am going to see if I can get that liptoprotein full panel and then start the medication with periodic reevaluation. Thank you for the insights in your video and I do understand that you made the best informed decision for you.
I would caution you to watch for myalgia, cramps, and other pain issues. I just quit my statin at age 78. It seems that old age may not be conducive to continuing statins in many cases. Stanford suggests trying every other day, I tried that but it was still too painful to walk. I was able to deal with taking statin for 25 years and am glad I did. Just rethink if you have problems when you get old.
I started Crestor in 2018 and from what I recall everything was going fine, no problems. Fast forward a couple of years, I started developing joint pain, muscle aches, pain in my legs in the night. I never thought it to be statins. I went to doctors, had multiple ultrasounds, X-rays to rule out arthritis or any other problem. All good. Then I was concerned about my memory, and brain fog. It actually scared me. I put it all down to post menopause. I’m just getting older. I then came across something regarding statin side effects. I decided to reduce my statins to 1/2, I cut them in half. Stayed on that dose for a few months, still the same problems, muscle/joint pain, and brain fog. I then tried 1/2 dose every other day for a few months, same. I then stopped the statin all together. In a matter of a couple of weeks, all my pain went away, gone. I still struggle with brain fog/memory and looking into ways to improve this now. I am also working with the doctor for an alternative. She’s switched my statin type, tried it and the pain returned. I will again f/u with her. And so the statin/cholesterol journey continues….
It's been 1 year and 3 months I started rosuva...crestor. Cannot sleep, muscle pain, liver numbers went up double. I feel awful. I and taking half of 10 mg every 2nd day and will eventually stop.
After maybe 6 months on statins, giving up a voluntary gardening day because I was 'seizing up' badly, finding it was getting difficult to walk a few miles, and generally feeling more depressed and knackered than I remember felling for a long time, I stopped them. The climb back has been slow, and I'm not sure I am back where I started but I would certainly class Statins as slow killers on my experience.
Thank you so much for this detailed information. I am in the midst of the triglycerides/cholesterol battle, have chosen not to take statins at this point. I eat healthy, no trans fats. I eat an avocado every day, love them! I will be going soon for follow-up bloodwork and am planning to make an appointment with a doctor of functional medicine. This information you provided is so very helpful to me.
Research now says the HDL Triglyceride ration is the most important #. It should be under 2. Carb's will increase Tri's. It's all about metabolic syndrome...which can start decades earlier than a diabetic diagnosis. Inflammation runs amuck !
Doctor Sullivan -- it's not your cholesterol levels, it's your diet. I heard nothing about eating meat. I only heard you talking about eating food from plants. Your omega-6 levels are probably through the roof without any omega-3 counter-balance. The LDL levels have little affect on your risk of CVD, it's the lower levels of HDL that put you at risk. As a woman, your HDL levels have to be over 50 -- you get there by eating mea -- especially grass-fed. Thank you so much for sharing your life story. Good Luck !!
Well, I just found your Channel Dr Sullivan, and I really like you! You are very caring, thoughtful and helpful with the advice you share. I can't believe it, but I had a heart attack just last Friday ...and I wound up hours later hitting a different ER on the way home bc the symptoms became excruciating!! IT WAS NOT PLEASANT. So now it's 5 days later and I am sent home with TEN BOTTLES OF PILLS that I did not want ..EVER. But right now I have no choice..I'm desperately trying to find info advice and help from people like you but I find myself drifting off and having to replay what I missed over and over again. I guess it's a total overload for me right now. I feel awful and so weak still. Anyways, I just wanted to thank you again for sharing your insight and knowledge.
Hi Dr. Sullivan, Thank you for your video (and other videos). You made a good decision and I commend you on the lifestyle and diet choices you are making. I am a RN who manages a lipoprotein apheresis clinic in Maine and when I heard you have Lp(a), I had to respond. We have many patients we treat who have High Lp(a) (200s-600s+, and patients with "Familial Hypercholesterolemia"). What I have learned is that, for Lp(a), unfortunately, diet and exercise do not effect Lp(a). It is genetic~ you either have it, or you don't. There is a study that is working on a med for Lp(a), but at this time, apheresis is the only treatment to significantly lower Lp(a). Crestor will bring down your LDL and Total cholesterol (as we see with our patients), but not as effective on the Lp(a). But I do believe that lowering your Apo-B with diet and exercise definitely decreases your risks. I think educating people on Lp(a) is a great thing ; more people have it than know. When I hear of someone young (30s-40s) having "the widow maker", I always wonder "what is their Lp(a)?". Thank you for sharing your story 🙂
Switch to a low carb, high fat diet and you will be amazed at how much your bloodwork improves. Also, a CAC score of zero does not mean you don’t have any plaque in your arteries as a CAC scan only detects calcified plaque. You could still have the more dangerous soft plaque. Only a CT Angiogram would show soft plaque. Statins will help to calcify any soft plaque to stabilize it.
Oh my God so without going in the too many details very very similar situation I’m in as we speak. And then doing all the research. This was the video that I was looking for. I cannot thank you enough. Stay healthy on your journey.
Very informative video, I have recently been prescribed Atorvastatin Iwas concerned about taking it ,spoke to my doctor and came down on the side of taking it. I have had no side effects so far. Your video has helped put my mind at rest and reinforced my decision. Thank you very much for your extensive investigation 😊
My calcium score was horrible. Went on statin but gracious, two months of feeling horrible! I was prescribed 10. On another note, at least 15 years ago my cholestrol was 300 and got plant sterols from Shaklee. I ended up writing a review because it went down to 225. Slowly but surely, it has been going up, but I think it really helped me.
Thank you so much for this video, I too have been hesitant to accept statin prescription, although I have several risk factors including family heart issues (albeit in a father who only ate fried food and smoked heavily all his life whilst I'm a non smoking vegetarian) but I did try Atorvastatin for a month and tolerated it well to my surprise. You prompted me to read up on the different types, their effects on heart disease and dementia and I feel ready to give in and take them like a good patient, albeit one who is ready to ask for Rotuvastatin instead, however it's spelt!
Trouble with STATINS, they can cause chronic problems meaning you can have little or no side effects then after 5 or more years bam! It comes. I was on statin for over 7years with no side effects then one day I start having dizzy Ness n vomitting spells every week, after vomitting I was back to normal. But it keeps happening once a week or so. I seen 2 specialist and none of them say it could be statin effect. In fact they were shocked when I want to give up statin. However I decide to do my own analysis. I give up one by one several other meds that I was taking with the last one , of course statin because the doctors say I cannot stop it. Finally I did n the vomitting spell stop. Nvr comes back again. So pls be careful taking statin because it is a known Poison. It builds up slowly until your liver cannot take it anymore and like a broken dam Wham! Serious side effects come. Do you want Dementia or diabetes in old age? Think about it.
Interesting. But we're all different. I've taking Astorvastatin for nearly 4 years, but I take Co-Q10 and use olive oil, eat more beans and lentils, and add flaxseed to my smoothies, which I believe helps. I've been taking milk thistle for many years to help protect my liver.
Dementia is chronic, it comes silently and gradually....by the time you know it, it maybe too late. So are liver cancers, diabetes. Cholesterol does not cause CHD. Inflammation ( the food you eat) is the cause.
Thank you for following up. The only thing about functional med Drs is that most insurance will not cover the cost. That is impossible for me. I guess your genetics may affect your response to lowering cholesterol? I'm still afraid to take these because I was on crutches with two of those meds. My good and bad cholesterol ratios is good. But Im glad it has helped you.
After a year on a statin I had a severe reaction to it, the severe musculo-skeletal pain. I then developed arthritis in my spine, within 6 months So I refused to continue on the statin. I eat so healthy its disgusting. I exersize 4-5 days a week. And I take 500mg of niacin, the kind with the flush. Encouraged by primary doctor. I suffered nine years with perimenopause, then menopause, I can handle a flush for an hour or so. It doesn't last longer than that. Everyone is different and has their own specific combination of health factors. That is why good communication with health providors is essential for a positive outcome.
I took statins several years ago and decided to stop. My cholesterol has gone up and dr kept wanting me to go back on it but I refused! I went for CAC in 2018 and it was 0, numbers continued to go up but HDL and Trig were good. So I went for another CAC in Dec 2021, still O. I switched Drs last year. He too was concerned about my cholesterol but agreed to order particle size test. I had too many small particles but type was A, optimal. He sent me to an endocrinologist. Dr was thinking I had FH. It took 4 months to see him. With Tinnitus issues I was sent to a neurologist and all the MRIs and test included Carotid artery and it was good! I have eaten healthy for 3 years but cleaned diet up even more and by end of Sept. my LDL numbers all dropped 20-30%. This showed I didn’t have FH since only statins can bring LDL down with FH. I asked Dr about going on Mediterranean and recheck in 6 mos. I ate oatmeal with Chia seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts and wild blueberries nearly every day for 6 months. Went in for labs in March. Was disappointed my numbers only went down 2-4 points. My endocrinologist had them do an advanced lipid panel checking particle sizes plus Apo b, Lp(a), CRP and LP PLA2 activity. My Lp(a) was
I took 40mg rosuvastatin for 2 weeks, I became severely confused. Decreased to 20mg for 3 months. Many side effects, I wish I had stopped sooner. Almost a year later and my health is still impaired. My cardiologist said "there are no side effects except Nocebos." I must disagree. I will not take any statin ever again.
I don't think this is a good review on statins. Fails to mention that while statins are good at reducing cholesterol, they make little or no difference to cardiovascular 'adverse events' like heart attack. This shows that cholesterol is not the molecule of concern. Having covered LDL particle size and density, which is a valid subject, there is no mention of the fact that statins affect the healthy particles of LDL with no real effects on the small dense LDL which is the sticky, concerning type. Would like to see her detailed lipidology in a years time😊
By reading the comments I see that nobody thinks that statins are useful? needed? Does anybody think that statins have saved a few lives?? Are totally useless and damaging ??? My husband has been on atorvastatin 20 mg for the last 23 years. His numbers are good but because of family history of heart attacks his Dr. wants him to stay on it. I don't see any cognition problems on him; he has no muscle pains, actually no side effects at all (that we can notice at least) . I don't know what to think; I need to make up my mind since I'm supposed to start taking statins very soon.
I started Crestor generic and when I had follow up blood work, my C Reactive protein dropped by 75%. I read somewhere that to not take minerals with R... and to take last thing before bed. That it has a six hour window and your body produces most cholesteryl at night when you sleep. I am looking for more detailed lipid testing then find a lipid-ologist by telemedicine.
I took flax seed and got my LDL down but when I mentioned it to my gynaecologist she advised me to stop as there is a higher risk of breast cancer due to a hormones present in flax seeds... We can't win!!
if she can come with a scientific truth on that then i would tell that to her until it is done i will continue with my flax seed meal. i use it in my oatmeal etc.
I was taking red yeast rice with CoQ10. I had to get on a statin. First statin made me foggy and I could temember director and supervisor names. I switched types of stains and im doing much better. Practicing intermittent fasting helps as well. Yes Lady, take those statins.
Statins, no thank you... doing fine on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol reversing my calcium score. Unfortunately, you are not as the statin increases the calcium score, all in the name of stabilization. But while you're stabilized. Your arteries are further narrowed. Mine are cleaned, repaired correctly, without plastering them with calcium and opening them up for better blood flow.
I have been on n off statins since my 40s. Crestor n lipitor cause itching. Livalo reduced my overall cholesterol in 2012 from 300 to 150. I have not taken it for at least 3 months n it is back to 300. I was just put on nexletol, a non statin but could not tolerate after 4 days. There has definitely been a difference in energy levels and reduction of muscle pain when not on a statin. BUT i have the genetic fhx of hyperlipdemia. My dad n his mom both died from heart disease. I too am not an advocate of supplements mainly because they r not fda regulated. But that being said i recently added coq10 and am waiting on my cardiologist to see if i have to go back on a statin. I do not even want to try the new injectables to lower cholesterol. I have a healthy weight and my calcium score was zero. Love her interpretation of this subject! Not one size fits all!
Long term use of statins caused muscle loss in the legs of husband . Yes, muscle loss a common side effect. He is now disabled unable to walk . Statin caused this.
I was pricribed Statin over a year ago I read up on the after effects so I didn't take it. I gave up all sweet things starting taking omega3 porridge with flaxseeds all healthy foods and exercise I was called back for a blood test a few weeks ago I told the Doctor I wasent taking them and she said well your cholesterol has gone down since the last time so I told her what I was doing and she said keep doing what ever you are doing I am so relieved. relieved
We get 5-10 minutes for an office visit. My insurance doesn't pay for Tele-health calls. I have to pay out of pocket. Not everyone has good health care.
I found a supplement that works. Striction BP from Healthy Habits. It worked for me and 3 other people. We all had significant drop in lipid panel. No statins for us. All other supplements we tried didn't work.
Great info. I’ve been on Crestor 20 mg since 2012. I stopped last year in October due to unexplained muscle cramp which later found out it was still there even after I stopped Crestor so that wasn’t a problem. The doctor recommended that I stop. Three months later have been getting my cholesterol tested due to my eating exercise. I thought they would stabilize. my total cholesterol was usually 135. It went up to 263, two months later it went up to 295. There is not much else I could do with diet and exercise. so I literally just started taking it again three days ago. I haven’t had any side effects over the years that I know of. All my other labwork says I’m pretty healthy. The reason why I even had my cholesterol checked back in 2012 was because a coworker of mine had two strokes, and eventually died. He told me the Dr said he had high cholesterol. I’m more of a worrier when it comes to health, so I will go to the doctor and get checked out. I had friends always joked that I do that. I have my reasons. My grandmother died at 61 of a heart attack and she was overweight. She also was on insulin. My mom’s sister died of a heart attack at 51. She was overweight. one of my sisters 51, died of a heart attack this past December, she was overweight. I’m the oldest out of 7. Besides my grandmother, the other two never went to the doctor to even get check ups to know if they had any underlying conditions that could’ve been treated, or prevented. My mom is 70 and she still doing well. I have no history of my father, I was raised by my grandparents. My grandfather, he made it to his 80s before he passed away. I know people question statins but I have too much of a family history to take that chance, especially if I’m not having any side effects. Yes, I could definitely lose some weight, but at 53 is not as easy as it was in my 30s when I was at my peak, even though I’m almost doing the same workout. My body is just not responding the same way but I still keep going. It’s slow, but it’s progress. I still want to be as mobile as possible being I’m retired and like traveling a lot.
Great story. Thanks for sharing. I have been on statins for over a year. It's not something to be taken lightly, and the internet is a minefield. You pretty much nailed the diet. It's very difficult to stick to extreme diet changes, and in reality, normal humans can make minor changes sustainably. Fibre As for supplements, I take Tulsi and ASU. The ASU is more for the joints as I have arthritis. But Tulsi is a remarkable herb. Good luck. I look forward to the results of taking statins.
Thank you for this information! I have not been very good at taking my medication and if my refill isn't requested on time I get harassment from United Healthcare. Now THAT is wrong in so many ways.
crestor raises blood sugar ..and im diabetic....and i worry about the the side effects of the other statins as well....and i dont have access to all the test you took....so i just opt out....im glad you were able to get enough information to make an edicated decision for yourself.
Having already lived this....and you are spot on. I can tell you listen and researched. I have had 4 CAC Score scans on and off statins over the years. Statins will accelerate the calcification of your arteries. My CAC Score accelerated on statins. Just keep an eye out for that.
I've had 3 CAC'S 299, 660 and the last one after 20 months on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol was 458. Just had my Lp-a level tested and it was 20mg/dl.
@bobdrawbaugh4207 Sure, but how does soft plague get started? 🤔 Lp-a, yes, statins calcify plague in the name of stabilization, but at what cost? I'd rather have none of it! Reversing my calcium and plaque build-up with the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. Repairing my damage correctly....
@@SET12DSPMay I ask what supplements and dosage you take? I’m at 6,000 mg of C and 2000mg of L-lysine daily. My one and only CAC score was 70 , 4 years ago. I also take K2Mk7 150 mcg daily.
I started the Keoto diet and Mediterranean food for the last 8 months lost 12 kg, no sugar hardly any carbs my skin got much better and all my inflammation has gone. However, on my last check, the cholesterol was 285 which is high but 20 years ago I had 250 already and I'm still alive (75 years old). Had a heart and arteries /veins check 4 years ago and all was clean. I have been told this diet does increase Cholesterol. Perhaps eating too much meat and eggs will cut down and check again in two months.
Very informative. Thank you. Would it be possible to list the additional tests needed to know how bad or not is your cholesterol levels in all? Thank you again.
When my husband was in his early 40s he was prescribed a statin for his high cholesterol. Within a couple of weeks he was in agony. He stopped taking them and the pain went away. The doctor had apparently never heard of this side effect. So my then extremely obese husband decided to do something for himself. He lost a lot of weight and his cholesterol level went down to a healthy level and he runs 6 miles four times a week.
🏃♂️ congratulations to your husband 👏
I so glad he is doing better
IMHO that is too much running and he will be having problems with his feet etc. Many ultra-fit people die of heart attacks on runs. Check the literature on the right amount. Consider HIIT which is high effort interval training with breaks over a much shorter time span.
He should be wary of damage to knees if he overdoes it. Running like that is not natural to upright man.
@@mkkrupp2462 I've been married to him for nearly 30 years. He's stubborn.
A few years back my cholesterol was over 11. The doctor immediately prescribed statins. Although I filled the script, I didn’t take any. Instead I went to a naturopath. Within three weeks my cholesterol went down to 6. The doctor was flabbergasted. That was five years ago and I don’t have any issues. I refuse to take statin as my brother died from a heart attack and my mum died from heart failure. Both were taking statins. I don’t think cholesterol is as bad as it’s been suggested.
You’re correct - lots of new scientific evidence that cholesterol of different types is essential for good brain health (for the myelination). Now potential links between statins and dementia.
Hi congratulations on reversing you high numbers. What was the biggest thing you learned from your naturopath to reduce your cholesterol levels? Thanks for the information in your post.
@@kathrynleaser5093 apart from some supplements given to me by the naturopath, she recommended a raw food diet as much as possible and eliminate all processed foods and foods that come in packets. Remove all bread and dairy especially milk, including soy,and other nut milks. I was able to eat eggs, meat, chicken and fish (all cooked of course). It was extremely hard at first to follow the recommendations but after a while it wasn’t too difficult.
Dr Malcolm Kendrick wrote a book called The Great Cholesterol Con. He had noticed that half of people who die of heart attacks have high cholesterol, but half don't, so cholesterol can't be the cause of a heart attack. It could just as easily be the lack of cholesterol which causes it.
@@catwoman7462 Correct, there is no evidence to say whether the action of cholesterol in CVD is causative or just associative.
I stopped taking statins a year ago and replaced them with 1-2 hours of exercise (30 minutes zone 2 cardio, 15 HIT, and 30-45 minutes resistance training). I gave up soft drinks and reduced my consumption of bread and cereals by 80%. Today all my cholesterol levels are perfectly normal. I guess most people shouldn’t take statins.
Did you give up regular soft drinks? Or diet?
@@peggyfisher9743They’re both bad for your liver.
@@peggyfisher9743 There both Poison
@@trevor5290 Yes, Dr Lustig has many lectures about that and fructose on YT.
Zero is the healthy dose.
What do replace bread with I changed to seeded bread
I did the complete opposite. Doctor highly recommended I start taking statins. I went and picked up my prescription and after further research I decided not to include this harmful drug in my body. I decided instead to cut down on sugar, eat healthier and walk everyday. Best decision I made. Good luck.
Recently found imaging of pre and post statin brains from study . I will never , never go on a statin . My step father is on the list for a liver transplant . The doctors just dont know why his liver is failing. Could it be years of statin use ? Finally ... my aunt works as a rep for the drug companies that promote statins to doctors. She once said to me " Don't ever take statins . They will kill you " . Then there's the fact that the scientist who invented the statin will not take them for his high cholesterol .
Six months on low dose statins strongly impacted (adversely) my cognition-- couldn't think, speak effectively, etc. All good again after I ceased taking it.
@@leenewsom7517 I've cut out all sugar and processed carbs and am working with my doctor to maintain normal blood pressure and normal weight for my height . I also walk one hour every day .
Had brain fog from very crazy menopause. I'm still experiencing crazy menopause but getting rid of the sugar and processed carbs fixed brain fog .
@@leenewsom7517how Did you cease taking it ?? Did you just stop or did you wean yourself off of them.
@@GreyGhost-r4z Hi there, I just quit altogether, stopped taking it. I was glad to be able to speak and think again in short order. In retrospect, I now recognize the same adverse affects of statins on my mother. Sadly, she was forced to stay on them because the staff there insisted that taking her off after however many years would be "too much of a shock to her system" (and my sister had power of attorney, and so just went with that). 80+ year old woman, no longer walking or talking, living on nursing home mush foods -- why in the world would she have any need to stay on those meds (big pharma $$?)? So they continued to force it down her throat, right up till her passing.
Ask any doctor. Most will not take stating themselves. That speaks volumes.
My mother was diagnosed (at 72) with sugar diabetes. A month later had a heart attack, soon after a stroke. She did not have high cholesterol. She went on low carb diet and reversed her diabetes. She waited for an event to change her diet, so sooner would have been better. She also retired at 60 and was pretty sedentary. I think that was part of her heath problem as well.
I have a problem with 'life sentence' prescriptions. Food as medicin has greater logic.
Life long cu$tomer$$$$$
Except it doesn’t work. Sure, if you’re eating fast food, but, even a pkant based diet won’t get your ldlc down below 80mg/dl.
Thank you Dr. Sullivan. I’ve been on Lipitor for over 30 years since 1997, yet I had a heart attack at which time a stent was inserted in my right ventricle (September, 2003). I also had plaque in both carotid arteries which surgeries were done to clean them out (March & April, 1997). Then in 2020 I went in for another stent. That was not done, instead a quadruple bypass was performed at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in February, 2020. I am now 82 years old and am doing fine. I am 6 foot 2” and weigh 180 lbs. Never been over that weight. I use to run 4 to 6 miles a day as well as 25 miles a day. I don’t do that anymore but I do walk a mile a day. I play golf and bowling. I spend an hour a day on functional exercises. My father, a heavy smoker died at age 48 after 2 heart attacks. My mother lived into her late 90’s.
Controlling cholesterol is akin to limiting your use of Band-Aids, as opposed to addressing WHY you are bleeding in the first place.
I always want to know the root cause, but no one has the time to find out. Maybe because I am 75.
- True in most cases except for some with genetic conditions. I’m very trim, exercise 4 days a week or more, eat extremely healthy yet I have genetics that prevents my lab numbers from dropping into the safe range. So a low dose statin is necessary in my case and many like me.
High cholesterol isn’t usually genetic. Even people with genetic high cholesterol and triglycerides can have normal levels of cholesterol if they eat low fat, Whole Foods, plant based instead of eating a ton of saturated fat.
Amen
@@TarkMcCoy that is a very good analogy
Thank you for the explanations! I have been taking a statin for the last 2 years.Despite eating a relatively healthy diet and having healthy HDL there was no lowering my LDL naturally so medication became the necessary answer. At 67 years old I am happy to do anything that may reduce my risk of heart disease. I take a fairly low dose (10 mg) it keeps my readings at a very acceptable level and I am lucky not to suffer the side effects that some people do.
Excellent:-)
I too couldn't take statins. With or without, the numbers didn't change that much for me anyway. My mother was on very high doses, but her body just countered by producing more. Inflammation seems to be the cause of higher production (in many studies, but chagrined by the pharmaculture) . Mediterranean diet, sunshine, exercise, a good sense of humor and meditation ( really, just living the moment and releasing negative thoughts).. these will help you more than a pill... (IMO). Avoid all processed sugar and substitutes, of course.
Have you met pills? Pills work better than all of that.
@slay2525 not sure of the relationship, but I have no such problem. interested though on this thought
I didn't hear much talk about triglycerides and metabolic health. Triglycerides typically rise with sugar and carbohydrate consumption, which in turn provokes the accumulation of small dense LDL particles and an unfavorable advanced lipoprotein profile. Dr. Sullivan has gravitated toward a higher carb diet with the consumption of beans, peas and lentils. I don't know the quantity she is consuming, but one would certainly want to be testing postprandial (i.e. after meal) blood sugar to see whether these starchy foods are provoking a blood sugar rise. Correcting that problem (assuming it's happening) will go a long way to support heart health rather than taking a statin. Another valuable blood test that was not mentioned is fasting insulin. This test is often overlooked. An optimal fasting insulin value is about 5 uIU/mL or less. When consuming excess carbs, there's a good chance one's fasting insulin will be too high.
I have reason to believe that cholesterol and blood sugar is intricately connected. Drs kept wanting me to take statins and when I'd try, it would shoot my blood sugar up immediately. I don't have diabetes and don't want it. So if all a Dr wants to talk about is statins, I fire that Dr.
Any Dr. Encouraging high carb consumption...run to the hills!
Thanks for your feedback. You are right on regarding the sugar and Triglycerides. I noticed an increase in mine from too much sugar. I honestly thing sugar (candy, cakes, starches) caused my CAD vice poultry and fish. I am trying to decide of plant base with low sugar/starchy carbs or ketogenic is best for me. IU am leaning towards PB. Again, thanks for sharing. I’ll try to find more info from Dr. Sullivan.
Fixed my issues with extremely low carb/low sugar diet. Carnivore/keto. I will never take lifetime drugs. Proper food intake can correct, at the source.
@@brucekmules
Definitely!
A friend of mine had a heart attack at aged fifty two. He was slim, reasonably active and ate what appeared to be a healthy diet which included dairy and a little wine. He was subsequently diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia meaning his high cholesterol levels were due to genetics and lifestyle changes would have a limited effect. Nevertheless he stopped drinking wine and eating cheese and butter but also began taking the statins that were prescribed. All this was over twenty years ago and he has been well ever since. Obviously in his case statins were necessary but his lifestyle changes have definitely helped.
Many thanks for the video and sending best wishes from the UK.
Having belly fat ia a sign of not having good life style and bad metabolic process. Does he have belly fat although he was slim? Could someone have high cholesterol but no belly fat? Statin may reduce cholesterol level but could it reduce belly fat? Those questions need to be considered before using Statin for long time period.
The same for me, familial. I couldn’t reduce my cholesterol to a level that my GP was happy with by diet and exercise alone
@@bernadisitompul733statins alone do not reduce belly fat.
The milk and wine is what did it.
I am 74, soon to be 75. I am at a point now that a decision should be made. I have fought off taking statins for a few years, but I think I have come to the end.
My numbers have not improved no matter what I have done.
Thanks for giving us your experience.
This video and the one that preceded this (when you were trying to decide whether to do the gummies or the crestor) we're both very helpful. There is so much conflicting evidence out there between highly respected MD's that it simply makes me crazy.
I imagined that it would be easier for someone like you to find an expert for your health issues. I am glad that you are sharing your information and your health journey.
I had to go off my statin due to a CK level of nearly 500. I still have severe muscle pain from that. I have been off the statin for a year. None of my doctors thought to check my CK. My sister encouraged me to ask to be tested because she had to go off hers due to muscle damage. Anyone taking a statin should be very aware of this side effect. It seems most people do just fine on it, though. The diet information is much appreciated.
No they don't. A huge percentage of people have side effects from Statins and it is covered up in the studies by ejecting people from the study in the first 30 days if they have a side effect. I had the same problem you had and it took months before someone checked my CK levels. Even Rosuvastatin caused muscle and joint pain without elevated CK levels. This women is not doing anyone a favour by saying she will take them. LDL is not the problem. LDL is as good as HDL. It's only when it gets damaged by sugar and carbohydrates, that it becomes a problem. Watch other videos on youtube about LDL cholesterol like the ones by Dr. Robert Lustig.
@@beenflying1 I am not surprised about the coverup. I had a reaction to a blood pressure pill, too. I would love to go off all my medication. I personally think statins are pure poison. I had wondered why my kidney function was wonky. And the doctors want me on Repatha. I am not trusting it either. It took years to finally get a doctor to get me tested to see if my CK level was high. I was called somatic by a doctor for asking for help with the strange and severe muscle pain. It was why I went to see that doctor. He was a rheumatologist. I figured surely he would be able to figure out what was happening to me. It was during the pandemic, and he wouldn't even examine me. It has been a year since I last had a statin dose. My family Dr. told me after going off it that if the pain got worse to go to the ER. The pain was still bad. I didn't go to the ER, though. It wasn't worse, but it was no better. It got a little better over time, but I still have horrible pain that shouldn't even have happened. She said the back pain and swelling may be permanent. Thanks for the video suggestions.
@@beenflying1I thought I had sent this reply last night. My apologies. Thank you for the video suggestions. I am not surprised they are skewing studies. Statins are not the only medication that I have had major trouble with. My neurologist wants me to take Repatha...said that the side effects chances of happening are very low. I choose not to go on it because I seem to get all the rare stuff. My cholesterol has been high since I was in my 20s. But I don't know how my LDL was at that time. I tried for years to find out why I was in such severe pain. I have dystonia. I originally thought it was that my dystonia had spread to my back and hip muscles, but it wasn't acting like dystonia. It is more like a huge charlie horse in one of my large back muscles that is worse at times, but the pain is most of the time consistent. My pain doctor can't do anything for it other than prescribe pain meds. Something I don't like doing. I finally listened to my sister who kept insisting I get my CK checked, and I asked to one of my doctors if they would do a blood test. I went to a rheumatologist during the pandemic when I was in so much pain that I could barely move. He deemed me somatic. He wouldn't even examine me and said my back wasn't swollen. The next Rheumatologist thought I had lupus and a few other disorders. It was like he was pulling things out of a hat. I did like the doctor. He really was trying to find out what was going on. But not one doctor thought to check my CK. I had wondered why my kidney function was wonky. All the symptoms seemed to seemed to accelerate after I took Lovastatin. I was taking Pravastatin before that. I think it should be that the patient's CK is checked if they are put on any statin. Even if they don't show symptoms of muscle or joint pain.
She did mention her hsCRP test came back way above the limit as one reason for her decision, and not just her ldl. I think in this aspect it does hold water.
@@beenflying1 You are so right!! Pharm companies do what ever it takes to convince the public that they have the answers... I think in the last few years we have learned that all too well. Not to mention the conflicts of interest in paying the NIH and the CDC to promote them. Risk to the public be damned!!
Thank you so much for such an articulate, well-informed presentation. I have tried everything---a long-term Mediterranean diet, I swim several miles a week, don't smoke, maybe drink a glass of wine a week, and avoid packaged foods. But like you, I have a hereditary condition and a history in my family of strokes and heart attacks. My cousin became a vegan, which helped him, but I really don't want to go that route. After my latest lipids panel, I have decided to go on a statin. This has been a very difficult decision, and like you, I chucked my first prescription of statins several years ago---never took them. Unfortunately, the numbers keep going up in spite of all the things I do to mitigate the results. Genetics win out in my case, so I especially appreciate you sharing your decision, and it has helped me with own.
Start taking Serrapeptase! Serrapeptase helps prevent plaque build up in your arteries, and it also removes plaque from your arteries! Research it. Must be taken daily! Hope this was helpful for you.
Thank you so much for explaining all of this. I'm currently slogging through the often incomprehensible, or questionable, available data. Your video helped - a lot - to make the information much more understandable.
I, too, am trying to make the decision about whether or not to take statins. You've given me new avenues to research.
The cholesterol/statin decision is, as you said, a lifelong commitment. Not one to make without some research.
Thank for all the help you give us.
* No hate here. 🙂
Dr Ken Berry and DR Sten Ekberg have great information videos on you tube which helped me decide not to take them
Congrats on deciding to take statins. You do what makes sense for you. Live life as you can. Be happy.
Appreciate your sharing. I also have a slightly elevated LP(a) and also just went on a statin although my arteries are reportedly clear. So far no muscle pain after a month. I have a mild symptom free A-Fib disorder and have had 3 mild strokes. I am slso on a blood thinner to prevent clots from forming. That is all the medications I'm taking and follow a whole food plant based diet which also helps to keep my weight low. Ialso joined a gym that specializes in helping seniors stay active and strong plus woking on brain function. I feel I'm doing everything I can and find doctors only a slight help and sometimes a. detriment in resolving issues that are not cut and dry.
My 93 year old mother has been on a statin for over 35 years and is in overall great health.
That's not the case for everyone!
.What dosage..?
Which Statin and strength does she take?
I took statin for over 25 years. Recently it caused my backache. I stopped taking it, now no more pain. :-)
@@avrillo She takes Lipitor 10 mgs.
Be careful with reading too much into Calcium Score. I did one and was given a Clear Bill of Health. A couple of months later, I had a 95% blockage in my Lower Decending Artery of my heart, had a luckily mild heart attack and had two stents put in. Just be careful!! I am of normal BMI but had bad family history of cardiovascular disease.
Same here only I had to have a quintuple bypass on an emergency basis just 6 months later.
Are you in a statin now?
Same here. A very low calcium score but 50-75% blockages in major cardiac arteries. I know why. Smoker, heavy drinker and years of unremitting stress all played a role over the years to get to this point.
you have to have contrast CT angiogram to see your actual soft plaque.
Thank you for sharing this! I also have high LPa. It has taken me months to get an appointment with a cardiologist (and I live in a big city). It’s frustrating how slow the process can be. One thing I would like to point out is that the Calcium CT scans only detect calcified plaques. One can have a score of zero and still have plenty of soft plaques. The scan reveals heart disease that has been rather long standing - to the point that the body has healed it with calcification. So a score of zero is good but it doesn’t mean we are out of the woods. I expect to be put on statin and will discuss Crestor with my doctor. I really appreciate you sharing your story. I have also tried dietary intervention and have also slipped up a lot. Maybe two steps forward, one step back until we finally get it dialed in.
I'm taking 5 mg of statin, Rosuvastatin, but only because it is a small amount and was told it would reduce inflammation. From all the studies I've seen it does not reduce cholesterol and cholesterol might not even be our problem, only an indicator that we might have a problem. Every body seems to react differently, but show me the facts.
Hi. Through lots of deep dives in to high ldl levels I've found high insulin resistance is a huge factor in this issue of high cholesterol. Check it out seems rather accurate in controlling high ldl. Best wishes.
Look up Dave Feldman cholesterol. This man has done more research than probably anyone else. He's very knowledgeable and has scientific data to back him up.
That was one of the most evenhanded and logical presentations that I have viewed.
One of your points that really struck a note with me was the ability to find a well-trained and experienced medical professional that would be willing to function as you suggested.
I am an old retired technical Information Technology professional. It's been my experience and observation that over the years I have witnessed a substantial decline in the quality and care of the US medical industry, physicians and staffs.
With a totally FOR-PROFIT system like ours, I doubt that the situation will improve. In fact, I expect it to get worse. Everyone involved seems to think that getting rich is their primary objective. I guess that this should be expected when pharmaceuticals and insurance companies run the entire medical complex.
Anyway, I'm really glad that you are well on your way to achieving your personal health goals.
I’m now 80 yrs old stopped taking statins 10 yrs now dr John Bergman thanks
A friend sent me this video and I found it very informative. As a 70 year old female who had never been on medication, I found myself on a mountain of it after suffering a heart attack. Now have 2 stents in my heart. This was something I couldn’t believe had happened to me and it’s been hard getting my head around taking all these pills. I am doing as I’m told, but also taking supplements as recommended by a intergrative / functional doctor in another country where I was living recently. I am in the process of going to another functional doctor to look at coming off these meds. My diet has changed drastically and lifestyle choices as well. As much as these meds are helping protect my heart, I’m concerned about what they are doing to my other organs. Watching this video has got me thinking more. Thank you.
Learned a while ago some of the claims about the protection from statins may not be what you are lead to believe. It has to do with absolute versus relative risk. Works like this.
If you have a group of people and you give half statins and half a placebo (sugar pill), the results come out something like this. The sugar pill group, 3% of them have a heart problem. The statin group 2% have a heart problem. Definitely an improvement for the statin group, but it's 1%, or 1 person in a hundred better off. 3 people per hundred for the placebo group and 2 per hundred for the statin group. A 1% improvement. That's what's termed the absolute risk numbers.
But the drug companies tend to use the relative risk numbers. They don't count the people from either group who didn't have a problem. So it becomes 3 non statin takers gave a problem versus only 2 if you do take statins or an improvement of 1 person less to have issues out of 3. That's a 33% decrease in issues for the statin takers.
A 1% improvement or a 33% improvement due to statins. Both numbers are correct and come from the same trial. Which do you think the drug company sales rep gives to your Dr?
Now here's the kicker. Statins increase the risk of diabetes. Thats obviously a bad side effect for statins. Guess which way the drug companies tend to quote that number?
Do your homework, make your own decision and best of luck no matter what you decide.
PS, I'm not just a bystander here. 2 stents. Took all the meds for 12 months while everything settled down again. Now nothing but some serious diet changes. Not for a moment saying I'm right about this as I really don't know for sure. But that's what I've done.
I am exactly in the same boat as you but refuse to take the statin and blood thiner as my dr. wants me too. What kind of specialist should I check out to help me with this? My cholesterol number are perfect. I am tyhpe 2 diabetic but it is under control and I have been pre diabetic for about five years. thanks. please someone advise.
Dr. esselstyns book prevent and reverse heart disease.
The people that make Crestor and Lipitor must be smiling after they watch this. It might be a good thing for this good neuro doctor to do a review of relative risk versus absolute risk of statin drugs to understand the 25% risk reduction she referred to in her presentation. She may find that the long tern neuro effects of taking statin drugs might not have been the best decision for her.
That 25% risk reduction is a "relative risk reduction". The "absolute risk reduction" for most statins is around 1% !!
So if the rate of heart attack was reduced from 4% of people (not on a statin) to 3% of people (on a statin), that's a relative reduction of 25% but only an absolute reduction of 1%.
Most doctors and cardiologists don't understand the difference - and drug companies take advantage of this by only promoting the relative risk reduction.
Of course, if doctors were to full explain this to their patients (together with potential side-effects), a lot fewer patients would be willing to take statins.
Here are some videos and references to explain it all:
Relative vs Absolute risks: Why Relative Risks Are Misleading, and How To Communicate Absolute Risks
ruclips.net/video/ELNt0XZYsAQ/видео.html
Evaluating the Association Between LDL Cholesterol Reduction and Relative and Absolute Effects of Statin Treatment
jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2790055/
Dr. Paul Mason - 'The truth about high cholesterol'
ruclips.net/video/rdgS3PuSuyg/видео.html
Dr. David Diamond - 'Should You Be Concerned About High LDL-Cholesterol on a Low Carb Diet?'
ruclips.net/video/VUMUhp1pSyM/видео.html
Thank you, someone who truly understands why statins are the biggest con on the planet!
Thanks for being truthful for us and informing us of our body not just our brain. You are very informative. I've already had 2 strokes and 100 percent blockage of heart attack. I am not compliant of Crestor already prescribed but now that you mention about CoQ10 I'll be better disciplined in taking the stating. I'm 73 by the way❤❤ ❤
Statins - I believe are the big scam in drug history, it has taken over 30 years for people to figure this out, so sad... people have strokes and heart attacks while taking statins, it's a shame the smartest and the brightest are as dumb as a sack a nails, in this regard.
That is 25% relative risk reduction. Or a 1% absolute risk reduction. It's concerning that you don't explain that.
They never do.
My dad had a strange chest sensation & a EKG abnormality in his early 70s. He had a stent placed, and was on statins for years. he passed at 96.5 yrs, mind clear as a bell, of basically old age.
Dr Sullivan thank you so much for your videos re statins and sharing your story which paralleled my concerns about taking statins. I was on 20 mg Atorvastatin( Lipitor)… since October 20, 2022. Experiencing and suffering from muscle pain especially my lower legs. On December 14, 2022; I told my GP ( family doctor) about the lower left leg it was so painful even when I’m just sitting. I was told to get compression socks and physiotherapy. I did as I was told and no improvement. Since Atorvastatin, I feel I have brain fog with the chronic
bad leg muscle pain which wakes me up in the middle of the night. To date I have not seen my GP except her residents in training. Finally August 16, 2023, another resident listened to my situation. She switch me to 10mg of Rosuvastatin ( Crestor). Muscle not as sharp pain as Atorvastatin (Lipitor) but muscle pain is still there. This is the only medication I’m taking so I am convinced it is statins causing me so grief. Your proactive manner have given me strength to deal with my muscle pain and finally got an appointment with my GP. Thank you again Dr Sullivan 23:11
Are you taking 5mg of crestor
Im 62 years old ,I have been on statins for ten years now since having a stent put in. Originally I was prescribed Crestor but after a few months I started to notice my hair was getting so thin and I googled the side effects and got my answer.
I have been on Lipitor since
I supplement with multi vitamins and fish oil and eat a plant based diet , I try to avoid the sugar and processed food and bad oils.
Lately I feel like I’m having more stiffness and soreness
Less energy and more scary to me more issues with cognition. I’m thinking I need to find something else
I think the answer could be in keto and fasting with HIIT style training and I would never give up my fish oil and coq10. But I definetly want to stop the statins
I'm in same situation, just started statins after PAD diagnosis. We will see,,, keto good
What was stiff and sore? Everything?
Start taking Serrapeptaseit helps prevent plaque build up in your arteries and it also helps remove plaque from your arteries! Research it. Must be taken daily! Research it. I hope this is helpful for you?.
Provastaton- look into that - a diff type of statin that doesn’t cause the muscle pain
Lipitor is the one and only completely useless statin .It does nothing for inflammation in the arteries
What a huge help you have been!!! I have an appointment with my cardiologist, Feb, 2025.
I currently am on 10 MG of Crestor ( Family History) I was contemplating asking to come off, but after listening to you, Think I need to stay on. The only reason I was thinking about coming off is due to no drinking, never a smoker and walk, on average, 35-40 miles per week.
I feel better going into February with more info than I had prior to your video.
Thank you!!!
Thank you for your interest in helping others. I have been on 20 mg of Rosuvastatin for over 12 years following CABG (my family is full of Heart issues, both siblings both parents ). My LDL is now 67. and with type 2 Diabetes (also family related) I have for 2 years eliminated fries, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, cakes, candies. I am basically 80% yogurt, Cheerios, wheat bread, and peanut butter. It is wonderful you have not had the muscle issues with the statin my journey has been different but it taught me to be more moderate in physical exertion because the payback by way of the statin was harsh. Thank you for all the people you help by way of your Profession.
If I had diabetes, I would be on a keto diet, which would eliminate cereals and breads. Keto can reverse diabetes, but you are off to a great start by eliminating sugars and highly processed foods.
What type of yogurt ? Greek whole fat plain is best, Cheerios, wheat bread and peanut butter are highly processed and spike your glucose. Try a Keto diet to help cure your type 2 diabetes.
what diabetic meds are you on ....with diabetes..all those carbs and crestor...im curious as to your A1C..meds and dosage..im also a type two diabetic....
Yikes! Cheerios????? Read the lawsuits with General Mills! Avoid ALL bio engineered foods!!!
Good morning from The Bahamas.
Congratulations on your excellent information, and, I am sorry all Doctors are not forced to listen to your Channel.
I have a battle with many who prescribe medications for every deviation in test results.
In the past, I have suffered nerve pains in my legs from taking Lipitor, and, pains in my arms, and fingers, from taking Crestor.
I shall take your information in this episode to a Doctor, and, have him write an order for me to have the tests of which you speak, so, I can make an informed decision in my own care as I am now 73 years of age.
Thank you for your courage, and, honesty in revealing your personal experiences to help others.
Statin really messed with my girl friend ,
After only taking a few she had a major personality change . It took two years of detoxing to get her back again .
Modern drugs cause you more harm than do good
I'm now 10 years into the highest dose of Artovastin..80mg...brought my levels down to normal in just a few months and 10 years later I'm getting perfect lab results twice a year..no side effects..not stopping now...
Good for you.I was more than 10 yrs on statins and few weeks ago got such a pain of my muscles.For one week I am stopping now the statins, the pain is getting smaller.After one week I will check my cholesterol if its not too high and am not sure what I will do than.
@@Lena-yj4il do you take coq10?
@@fishnski9211 No, my dr never prescribed them for me.
I was on rosuvastatin for 4 years starting with 5,10,20 and then 40mg (increased every year). Then I found out I had osteopenia and wanted to start doing some weight resistance training. I decided to go off my statin for a few weeks to see if the pain in my knees which felt like tendon/ligament knee pain would go away. 3 weeks later I feel 20 years younger, knee pain gone and also numbness in feet not as bad. Every year that I went for a checkup the new guidelines are to get the LDL lower and lower. My LDL went from: 146, 131, 117 ,103, to 89 over the years, new guidelines aiming at 70. This accumulative effect was too much for me.
Any Doctor that would suggest I go on a STATIN --- I WOULD LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.
I am feeling this. 54, not overweight, don't smoke, not pre-diabetic, low triglycerides and low blood pressure. And yet...... the doctor prescribed statins. I said give me two months. I'm going to try and go for a ten minute run every day, up and down the road... not too far. I'm going to take plant sterols and vitamin d. Then I'll see if that works. Even if it hasn't, not sure I'd want to take statins. I feel intuitively that i'm very healthy. Am I delusional though? hmm. The person who's delusional is the last to know.
@@SusanaXpeace2u Susana, how is your journey? Lifestyle changes are not easy.
I made the difficult decision as well to start statins (Crestor) and I fought this for a several years. Tried just supplements and although it helped it didn't give me the numbers I need. I've been watching a doctor on RUclips who also came to the same conclusion that he also had to start statins. In some situations you just need to make that hard decision. I am doing the exactly the same as you. I am taking a very low dose of Crestor along with my Bergamot supplements (which has helped) and hoping I will get some good results. Also take CoQ10, Vitamin D3/K2, Flaxseed/Psyllium and Salmon Oil. I've always exercised so that did not help my cholesterol but will continue. Sometimes it's just in the genes.
Thank you Dr. Sullivan for all your research and for explaining everything in an easy to understand way. Both of your statin related videos were very helpful. I hope you are having very positive results and would love to see another update video.
Thank you for your comprehensive video on statins, there is such a tendency for doctors to do a simple test and order prescriptions that many of us are a little cynical. They are not able to explain all that you included, so that we can make a good choice and feel good about it. So often we are told to take this or that only to find out later that, new studies show, it was harmful! Ever since prescription drugs have been advertising, they have really muddied the waters with their claims! I feel more informed before talking to my doctor who prescribed Crestor based on one test, in the past, I went off of it myself and the test I had a year later was good. Just recently, my test was good but he wants to discuss statin again. Very helpful video, thank you!
Thank you for his video. I too have been struggling with high cholesterol. You have given me some avenues I can pursue. I’m not getting a whole lot from my primary other than you need to be on a statin. Thank you so much!
Thank you Dr. I am sharing your experiences with my wife who is dealing with this dilemma in nearly identical circumstances and timeline. Your expertise and scrutiny on the subject will help our understanding and ease her mind on decisions made.
Good luck to you!
Thank you for this video. I feel blessed, you give information in a straightforward way that helps us make informed decisions. I have been waiting to find out what your decision was and how you made it. My doctor has been asking me to use a statin for quite some time. I finally gave in and agreed to try crestor/rosuvastatin. Now that I have listened to both your lectures I feel more confident in giving statins a go. My family have a history of diabetes and heart problems. Although a vegetarian, I am still making life/diet changes to improve my life chances.
I think you'd most likely find a 'lipidologist' at a University Medical Center that includes a Medical School and a teaching hospital. I have genetically high lipids and I have all my healthcare, particularly my Lipidologist Cardiologist at UCSD (University California San Diego) Medical Center (or now they call themselves UCSD Healthcare). My entire healthcare experience, (Diabetes, Arthritis, Urology, Heart Failure), is greatly improved due to the teaching or education culture of the entire UCSD system where questions and questioning are respected and honored.
This video needs a million views. Excellent info offered. Thank you.
Wow my story is similar asI am also on 5 mg of Crestor (rosuvastatin)as well!! (I am doing the right things too as well). No issues. Tried all the supplemental stuff that did nothing. I tried and tried! I also had a CAC score come out a 50…..I decided that it would be smart to try the statin. I have been on for 3 months now and had bloodwork. LDL went from 200 to 130 and the other numbers are great. Its crazy how it works!! I agree with you that we MUST be our own advocate and do what WE BELIEVE is right. There are so many statin haters etc. We need to ignore that. Thanks for your video!!! 😊
A million things went thru my mind when I heard your decision. Some of it was a bit of disappointment for both of us. I wish there was another option. I have been off Crestor for 6 months. I also stopped my bp meds about 6 weeks ago. I am so fed up b/c docs have no time to explain all the details nor do I have the $ for supplements. I hate pills 💊 b/c of all the side effects that I’ve had esp. with statins. I had to weigh the benefits vs risks. It’s a tough choice to make. Good luck to you. Thanks for sharing.
I just got off statin after 7 days of taking it.
I said yes, too soon to the cardiologist.
After researching, I found of all the after effects and leave it to my liver working for my body, not a chem drug.
My Chem Stress test and CAC was fine.
I am taking Red Rice Yeast, Omega 3 (Fish Oil), Uric Acid Flush vitamins.
Exercise 3 mile walk a day. I think I can fix my 231 on my own. I weight 138 @ 5’3” and am 57.
I tried Red Yeast Rice first, and that gave me muscle aches. So I called up my doctor and got him to prescribe generic Crestor. I have zero side effects from this and I'm delighted that my cholesterol is below 150, my LDL is below 70 and my hs-crp is 0.8. I'm also eating whole-food plant-based. I'm almost 70 years old.
Plenty of people still have stroke or heart attack at cholesterol levels that low (my father-in-law being one) and even more get cancer. All cause mortality doesn't change with cholesterol lowering. Hdl vs triglycerides are more important and maybe Apo B. Calcium Scoring CAC might be a good idea to get.
Thank you so much.
I am in a similar situation, facing this decision.
As a retired engineer and military pilot, I was shocked as an active and weight appropriate male that does keto and carnivor (80%) and intermittent fasting to find out I had some plaque build up and minor calcification (increasing K2D3) in my arteries. I have had elevated total cholestral (230 ish) all my life, but always had a very high HDL to LDL ratio, so the doctors didn't feel it was a problem. Now it is and I am seeking information to make a similar decision. My VA provider has prescribed the same medication and dosage as your prescription, but I want to get an accurate picture at the beginning before I start. So I am going to see if I can get that liptoprotein full panel and then start the medication with periodic reevaluation. Thank you for the insights in your video and I do understand that you made the best informed decision for you.
I would caution you to watch for myalgia, cramps, and other pain issues. I just quit my statin at age 78. It seems that old age may not be conducive to continuing statins in many cases. Stanford suggests trying every other day, I tried that but it was still too painful to walk. I was able to deal with taking statin for 25 years and am glad I did. Just rethink if you have problems when you get old.
I started Crestor in 2018 and from what I recall everything was going fine, no problems. Fast forward a couple of years, I started developing joint pain, muscle aches, pain in my legs in the night. I never thought it to be statins. I went to doctors, had multiple ultrasounds, X-rays to rule out arthritis or any other problem. All good. Then I was concerned about my memory, and brain fog. It actually scared me. I put it all down to post menopause. I’m just getting older. I then came across something regarding statin side effects. I decided to reduce my statins to 1/2, I cut them in half. Stayed on that dose for a few months, still the same problems, muscle/joint pain, and brain fog. I then tried 1/2 dose every other day for a few months, same. I then stopped the statin all together. In a matter of a couple of weeks, all my pain went away, gone. I still struggle with brain fog/memory and looking into ways to improve this now. I am also working with the doctor for an alternative. She’s switched my statin type, tried it and the pain returned. I will again f/u with her. And so the statin/cholesterol journey continues….
It's been 1 year and 3 months I started rosuva...crestor. Cannot sleep, muscle pain, liver numbers went up double. I feel awful. I and taking half of 10 mg every 2nd day and will eventually stop.
After maybe 6 months on statins, giving up a voluntary gardening day because I was 'seizing up' badly, finding it was getting difficult to walk a few miles, and generally feeling more depressed and knackered than I remember felling for a long time, I stopped them. The climb back has been slow, and I'm not sure I am back where I started but I would certainly class Statins as slow killers on my experience.
Thank you so much for this detailed information. I am in the midst of the triglycerides/cholesterol battle, have chosen not to take statins at this point. I eat healthy, no trans fats. I eat an avocado every day, love them! I will be going soon for follow-up bloodwork and am planning to make an appointment with a doctor of functional medicine. This information you provided is so very helpful to me.
Lovaza, basically prescription omega 3, will lower triglycerides. I've done it.
Research now says the HDL Triglyceride ration is the most important #. It should be under 2. Carb's will increase Tri's. It's all about metabolic syndrome...which can start decades earlier than a diabetic diagnosis. Inflammation runs amuck !
If you can add sardines, you should. All the good fats and one of the most heart healthy, nutritious foods on earth.
Amazing video. So easy to listen to an unedited intelligent conversation. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your comment :-)
This video is about someone who has the knowledge and ability to get information from testing that few can afford.
Doctor Sullivan -- it's not your cholesterol levels, it's your diet. I heard nothing about eating meat. I only heard you talking about eating food from plants. Your omega-6 levels are probably through the roof without any omega-3 counter-balance. The LDL levels have little affect on your risk of CVD, it's the lower levels of HDL that put you at risk. As a woman, your HDL levels have to be over 50 -- you get there by eating mea -- especially grass-fed. Thank you so much for sharing your life story. Good Luck !!
I love your honesty and unbiased feedback. Thank you!
Well, I just found your Channel Dr Sullivan, and I really like you! You are very caring, thoughtful and helpful with the advice you share.
I can't believe it, but I had a heart attack just last Friday ...and I wound up hours later hitting a different ER on the way home bc the symptoms became excruciating!! IT WAS NOT PLEASANT. So now it's 5 days later and I am sent home with TEN BOTTLES OF PILLS that I did not want ..EVER. But right now I have no choice..I'm desperately trying to find info advice and help from people like you but I find myself drifting off and having to replay what I missed over and over again. I guess it's a total overload for me right now. I feel awful and so weak still.
Anyways, I just wanted to thank you again for sharing your insight and knowledge.
Hi Dr. Sullivan, Thank you for your video (and other videos). You made a good decision and I commend you on the lifestyle and diet choices you are making. I am a RN who manages a lipoprotein apheresis clinic in Maine and when I heard you have Lp(a), I had to respond. We have many patients we treat who have High Lp(a) (200s-600s+, and patients with "Familial Hypercholesterolemia"). What I have learned is that, for Lp(a), unfortunately, diet and exercise do not effect Lp(a). It is genetic~ you either have it, or you don't. There is a study that is working on a med for Lp(a), but at this time, apheresis is the only treatment to significantly lower Lp(a). Crestor will bring down your LDL and Total cholesterol (as we see with our patients), but not as effective on the Lp(a). But I do believe that lowering your Apo-B with diet and exercise definitely decreases your risks. I think educating people on Lp(a) is a great thing ; more people have it than know. When I hear of someone young (30s-40s) having "the widow maker", I always wonder "what is their Lp(a)?". Thank you for sharing your story 🙂
First objective real world explanation I’ve seen on you tube, thanks for taking the time to share
Switch to a low carb, high fat diet and you will be amazed at how much your bloodwork improves. Also, a CAC score of zero does not mean you don’t have any plaque in your arteries as a CAC scan only detects calcified plaque. You could still have the more dangerous soft plaque. Only a CT Angiogram would show soft plaque. Statins will help to calcify any soft plaque to stabilize it.
Oh my God so without going in the too many details very very similar situation I’m in as we speak. And then doing all the research. This was the video that I was looking for. I cannot thank you enough. Stay healthy on your journey.
You are very welcome!
Very informative video, I have recently been prescribed Atorvastatin Iwas concerned about taking it ,spoke to my doctor and came down on the side of taking it. I have had no side effects so far. Your video has helped put my mind at rest and reinforced my decision. Thank you very much for your extensive investigation 😊
My calcium score was horrible. Went on statin but gracious, two months of feeling horrible! I was prescribed 10. On another note, at least 15 years ago my cholestrol was 300 and got plant sterols from Shaklee. I ended up writing a review because it went down to 225. Slowly but surely, it has been going up, but I think it really helped me.
Thank you so much for this video, I too have been hesitant to accept statin prescription, although I have several risk factors including family heart issues (albeit in a father who only ate fried food and smoked heavily all his life whilst I'm a non smoking vegetarian) but I did try Atorvastatin for a month and tolerated it well to my surprise. You prompted me to read up on the different types, their effects on heart disease and dementia and I feel ready to give in and take them like a good patient, albeit one who is ready to ask for Rotuvastatin instead, however it's spelt!
Trouble with STATINS, they can cause chronic problems meaning you can have little or no side effects then after 5 or more years bam! It comes.
I was on statin for over 7years with no side effects then one day I start having dizzy Ness n vomitting spells every week, after vomitting I was back to normal. But it keeps happening once a week or so.
I seen 2 specialist and none of them say it could be statin effect. In fact they were shocked when I want to give up statin. However I decide to do my own analysis. I give up one by one several other meds that I was taking with the last one , of course statin because the doctors say I cannot stop it.
Finally I did n the vomitting spell stop. Nvr comes back again.
So pls be careful taking statin because it is a known Poison. It builds up slowly until your liver cannot take it anymore and like a broken dam
Wham! Serious side effects come. Do you want Dementia or diabetes in old age? Think about it.
Interesting. But we're all different. I've taking Astorvastatin for nearly 4 years, but I take Co-Q10 and use olive oil, eat more beans and lentils, and add flaxseed to my smoothies, which I believe helps. I've been taking milk thistle for many years to help protect my liver.
Dementia is chronic, it comes silently and gradually....by the time you know it, it maybe too late.
So are liver cancers, diabetes.
Cholesterol does not cause CHD. Inflammation ( the food you eat) is the cause.
@@oliviaallen7563 how do you know whatever you are taking is working?
Thank you for following up. The only thing about functional med Drs is that most insurance will not cover the cost. That is impossible for me. I guess your genetics may affect your response to lowering cholesterol? I'm still afraid to take these because I was on crutches with two of those meds. My good and bad cholesterol ratios is good. But Im glad it has helped you.
I am new in this cholesterol journey, and I thank you for this information…I love the breakdown and your approach. :)
After a year on a statin I had a severe reaction to it, the severe musculo-skeletal pain. I then developed arthritis in my spine, within 6 months So I refused to continue on the statin. I eat so healthy its disgusting. I exersize 4-5 days a week. And I take 500mg of niacin, the kind with the flush. Encouraged by primary doctor. I suffered nine years with perimenopause, then menopause, I can handle a flush for an hour or so. It doesn't last longer than that. Everyone is different and has their own specific combination of health factors. That is why good communication with health providors is essential for a positive outcome.
Wow, so much good information to digest! So glad to have you in my portfolio of health care experts.
I took statins several years ago and decided to stop. My cholesterol has gone up and dr kept wanting me to go back on it but I refused! I went for CAC in 2018 and it was 0, numbers continued to go up but HDL and Trig were good. So I went for another CAC in Dec 2021, still O. I switched Drs last year. He too was concerned about my cholesterol but agreed to order particle size test. I had too many small particles but type was A, optimal. He sent me to an endocrinologist. Dr was thinking I had FH. It took 4 months to see him. With Tinnitus issues I was sent to a neurologist and all the MRIs and test included Carotid artery and it was good! I have eaten healthy for 3 years but cleaned diet up even more and by end of Sept. my LDL numbers all dropped 20-30%. This showed I didn’t have FH since only statins can bring LDL down with FH. I asked Dr about going on Mediterranean and recheck in 6 mos. I ate oatmeal with Chia seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts and wild blueberries nearly every day for 6 months. Went in for labs in March. Was disappointed my numbers only went down 2-4 points. My endocrinologist had them do an advanced lipid panel checking particle sizes plus Apo b, Lp(a), CRP and LP PLA2 activity. My Lp(a) was
I took 40mg rosuvastatin for 2 weeks, I became severely confused. Decreased to 20mg for 3 months. Many side effects, I wish I had stopped sooner. Almost a year later and my health is still impaired. My cardiologist said "there are no side effects except Nocebos." I must disagree. I will not take any statin ever again.
Thank you so much for all your research and sharing it with the lay public.
I don't think this is a good review on statins.
Fails to mention that while statins are good at reducing cholesterol, they make little or no difference to cardiovascular 'adverse events' like heart attack.
This shows that cholesterol is not the molecule of concern.
Having covered LDL particle size and density, which is a valid subject, there is no mention of the fact that statins affect the healthy particles of LDL with no real effects on the small dense LDL which is the sticky, concerning type.
Would like to see her detailed lipidology in a years time😊
Test for Lp-a....
🎯
By reading the comments I see that nobody thinks that statins are useful? needed? Does anybody think that statins have saved a few lives?? Are totally useless and damaging ??? My husband has been on atorvastatin 20 mg for the last 23 years. His numbers are good but because of family history of heart attacks his Dr. wants him to stay on it. I don't see any cognition problems on him; he has no muscle pains, actually no side effects at all (that we can notice at least) . I don't know what to think; I need to make up my mind since I'm supposed to start taking statins very soon.
I started Crestor generic and when I had follow up blood work, my C Reactive protein dropped by 75%. I read somewhere that to not take minerals with R... and to take last thing before bed. That it has a six hour window and your body produces most cholesteryl at night when you sleep. I am looking for more detailed lipid testing then find a lipid-ologist by telemedicine.
Thank you so much for putting all the effort, and sharing. It is very use full for me to look more detailed into the matter. ❤
I took flax seed and got my LDL down but when I mentioned it to my gynaecologist she advised me to stop as there is a higher risk of breast cancer due to a hormones present in flax seeds... We can't win!!
Thanks for the warning. I will be sure to keep flax seed intake down although I don't eat many seeds any more on Ketovore diet.
@@catchristo9406Magic bullet, Ketogenic way of eating.
if she can come with a scientific truth on that then i would tell that to her until it is done i will continue with my flax seed meal. i use it in my oatmeal etc.
how about chia seeds
. @kimharrison8816 They're fine as they don't contain estrogen
Thank you so
much, we are in the same boat! I have to give up so much but it’s worth it….lifestyle❤
I was taking red yeast rice with CoQ10. I had to get on a statin. First statin made me foggy and I could temember director and supervisor names. I switched types of stains and im doing much better. Practicing intermittent fasting helps as well.
Yes Lady, take those statins.
Statins, no thank you... doing fine on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol reversing my calcium score. Unfortunately, you are not as the statin increases the calcium score, all in the name of stabilization. But while you're stabilized. Your arteries are further narrowed. Mine are cleaned, repaired correctly, without plastering them with calcium and opening them up for better blood flow.
I have been on n off statins since my 40s. Crestor n lipitor cause itching. Livalo reduced my overall cholesterol in 2012 from 300 to 150. I have not taken it for at least 3 months n it is back to 300. I was just put on nexletol, a non statin but could not tolerate after 4 days. There has definitely been a difference in energy levels and reduction of muscle pain when not on a statin. BUT i have the genetic fhx of hyperlipdemia. My dad n his mom both died from heart disease. I too am not an advocate of supplements mainly because they r not fda regulated. But that being said i recently added coq10 and am waiting on my cardiologist to see if i have to go back on a statin. I do not even want to try the new injectables to lower cholesterol. I have a healthy weight and my calcium score was zero. Love her interpretation of this subject! Not one size fits all!
Long term use of statins caused muscle loss in the legs of husband . Yes, muscle loss a common side effect. He is now disabled unable to walk . Statin caused this.
I took statins for 9 years I had bad muscle aches for 9 years I stopped thme and felt better able to walk w no pain 😢
Great video on all levels 🎉🎉 Thank you for sharing your wisdom and transparency!
I was pricribed Statin over a year ago I read up on the after effects so I didn't take it. I gave up all sweet things starting taking omega3 porridge with flaxseeds all healthy foods and exercise I was called back for a blood test a few weeks ago I told the Doctor I wasent taking them and she said well your cholesterol has gone down since the last time so I told her what I was doing and she said keep doing what ever you are doing I am so relieved. relieved
Thanks, Dr. Sullivan. This is very helpful. So what size dosage of CoQ10 should be taken??
We get 5-10 minutes for an office visit. My insurance doesn't pay for Tele-health calls. I have to pay out of pocket. Not everyone has good health care.
I found a supplement that works. Striction BP from Healthy Habits. It worked for me and 3 other people. We all had significant drop in lipid panel. No statins for us. All other supplements we tried didn't work.
Great info. I’ve been on Crestor 20 mg since 2012. I stopped last year in October due to unexplained muscle cramp which later found out it was still there even after I stopped Crestor so that wasn’t a problem. The doctor recommended that I stop. Three months later have been getting my cholesterol tested due to my eating exercise. I thought they would stabilize. my total cholesterol was usually 135. It went up to 263, two months later it went up to 295. There is not much else I could do with diet and exercise. so I literally just started taking it again three days ago. I haven’t had any side effects over the years that I know of. All my other labwork says I’m pretty healthy. The reason why I even had my cholesterol checked back in 2012 was because a coworker of mine had two strokes, and eventually died. He told me the Dr said he had high cholesterol. I’m more of a worrier when it comes to health, so I will go to the doctor and get checked out. I had friends always joked that I do that. I have my reasons. My grandmother died at 61 of a heart attack and she was overweight. She also was on insulin. My mom’s sister died of a heart attack at 51. She was overweight. one of my sisters 51, died of a heart attack this past December, she was overweight. I’m the oldest out of 7. Besides my grandmother, the other two never went to the doctor to even get check ups to know if they had any underlying conditions that could’ve been treated, or prevented. My mom is 70 and she still doing well. I have no history of my father, I was raised by my grandparents. My grandfather, he made it to his 80s before he passed away. I know people question statins but I have too much of a family history to take that chance, especially if I’m not having any side effects. Yes, I could definitely lose some weight, but at 53 is not as easy as it was in my 30s when I was at my peak, even though I’m almost doing the same workout. My body is just not responding the same way but I still keep going. It’s slow, but it’s progress. I still want to be as mobile as possible being I’m retired and like traveling a lot.
Great story. Thanks for sharing. I have been on statins for over a year. It's not something to be taken lightly, and the internet is a minefield.
You pretty much nailed the diet. It's very difficult to stick to extreme diet changes, and in reality, normal humans can make minor changes sustainably. Fibre
As for supplements, I take Tulsi and ASU. The ASU is more for the joints as I have arthritis. But Tulsi is a remarkable herb.
Good luck.
I look forward to the results of taking statins.
A very helpful presentation. I am reviewing the statin status with my doctor today.
Thank you for this information! I have not been very good at taking my medication and if my refill isn't requested on time I get harassment from United Healthcare. Now THAT is wrong in so many ways.
I just got canceled by my medical group for not taking a statin.
I put a block on United H. from e-mails and calls, and texts. If I want something I will call them like any other organization.
crestor raises blood sugar ..and im diabetic....and i worry about the the side effects of the other statins as well....and i dont have access to all the test you took....so i just opt out....im glad you were able to get enough information to make an edicated decision for yourself.
Having already lived this....and you are spot on. I can tell you listen and researched. I have had 4 CAC Score scans on and off statins over the years. Statins will accelerate the calcification of your arteries. My CAC Score accelerated on statins. Just keep an eye out for that.
I've had 3 CAC'S 299, 660 and the last one after 20 months on the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol was 458. Just had my Lp-a level tested and it was 20mg/dl.
Your CAC score increased because soft plaque is being stabilized. The soft plaque is what causes heart attacks and strokes.
@bobdrawbaugh4207 Sure, but how does soft plague get started? 🤔 Lp-a, yes, statins calcify plague in the name of stabilization, but at what cost?
I'd rather have none of it!
Reversing my calcium and plaque build-up with the Linus Pauling Heart Protocol. Repairing my damage correctly....
@@SET12DSPMay I ask what supplements and dosage you take? I’m at 6,000 mg of C and 2000mg of L-lysine daily. My one and only CAC score was 70 , 4 years ago. I also take K2Mk7 150 mcg daily.
I started the Keoto diet and Mediterranean food for the last 8 months lost 12 kg, no sugar hardly any carbs my skin got much better and all my inflammation has gone. However, on my last check, the cholesterol was 285 which is high but 20 years ago I had 250 already and I'm still alive (75 years old). Had a heart and arteries /veins check 4 years ago and all was clean. I have been told this diet does increase Cholesterol. Perhaps eating too much meat and eggs will cut down and check again in two months.
Very informative. Thank you. Would it be possible to list the additional tests needed to know how bad or not is your cholesterol levels in all? Thank you again.
Thank you, Dr. Sullivan. You are the best!
All this time in your medical history you never knew that Lipid Panels require fasting prior to the blood test?