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Optimum Cholesterol levels
An_245947 posted:
If you have calcium and/or plaque buildup recent work at UCLA suggests that you cannot have LDL too low. Crestor apparently has shown a tendency to reduce plaque over 24 months. 70 LDL is fine if your levels are currently 90, but if they are currently 70 and you still have buildup then you need to go lower, into the 40's or so. To my knowledge there has been little if any research to show that the "lower is better" has any limits to the downside.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Optimum Cholesterol levelsIf you have calcium and/or plaque buildup recent work at UCLA suggests that you cannot have LDL too low. Crestor apparently has shown a tendency to reduce plaque over 24 months. 70 LDL is fine if your levels are currently 90, but if they are currently 70 and you still have buildup then you need to go lower, into the 40's or so. To my knowledge there has been little if any research to show that the "lower is better" has any limits to the downside.
CardiostarUSA1 responded:
Hi:
The "lower is better" aspect/dilemma.
Unfortunately, as reported in medical literature, individuals with a very low LDL level may be at an increased risk of developing other medical problems/conditions.
L@@K back in the Media
Randomly-selected
From a BMJ article -
Meta-analysis says low LDL cholesterol may be associated with greater risk of cancer
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1934492
Mayo Clinic
Q & A
Can your total cholesterol level be too low?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-level/AN01394
About com
Are Low Cholesterol Levels Bad For Your Health?
High Cholesterol, Low Cholesterol - Lipid Levels Are Best At Middle Ground
http://cholesterol.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Can-Your-Cholesterol-Be-Too-Low-.htm
"Crestor apparently has shown a tendency to reduce plaque over 24 months."
It has been reported, that in some individuals, it's possible to halt or reverse atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries to some degree, through lifestyle changes, statin-therapy (**typically high-dose as seen in clinical trials), strict, uniquely-customized or highly-specialized diet (e.g., Ornish), exercise regimen, and stress management.
**Intensive Cholesterol Lowering With Atorvastatin Halts Progression Of Heart Disease, Cleveland Clinic-Led Study Shows
'REVERSAL' Trial
The REVERSAL trial, compared the highest doses available at the time of two popular statin drugs, pravastatin and atorvastatin....
"When we analyzed the results of REVERSAL, we realized that we had found an approach to coronary disease treatment that could literally stop heart disease in its tracks"......
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/03/040309071559.htm
Additionally, the final results of various long-since been completed investigational studies also showed that coronary artery disease can be slowed, stopped or reversed/regressed in some individuals.
CLAS I and II (Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclrosis Study I & II) used a drug regimen of niacin and Colestid (colestipol) and the outcome was reported as a decreased progression of atherosclerosis with end point regression in 16% of individuals.
Familial Atherosclerosis Treatments study (FATS), used the same drug regimen with a reported outcome of regression of CAD with end point reduction in cardiovascular events.
The University of California-San Francisco Specialized Center of Research used a drug regimen of colestipol and Mevacor (statin) with a reported outcome of regression of CAD with no other end point.
Studies other than The REVERSAL trial, which used stand-alone high dose statin therapy (aggressive approach), showed in some individuals. a slight reduction (of (plaque burden) of atherosclerosis, as imaged with non-invasive Electron Beam Computed Tomgraphy (EBCT) as evident by a lower coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans were also used in some studies to show an increase in blood flow to the heart muscle in response to non-interventional (no catheter-based or surgical based procedures) treatment.
Take care,
Cardiostar*
WebMD member (since 8/99)
-
-
Quote!
"Be a questioning patient. TALK to your DOCTOR and ASK QUESTIONS. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"
- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society
.
It's yor future......be there.
. .
WebMD/WebMD forums does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
The "lower is better" aspect/dilemma.
Unfortunately, as reported in medical literature, individuals with a very low LDL level may be at an increased risk of developing other medical problems/conditions.
L@@K back in the Media
Randomly-selected
From a BMJ article -
Meta-analysis says low LDL cholesterol may be associated with greater risk of cancer
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1934492
Mayo Clinic
Q & A
Can your total cholesterol level be too low?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-level/AN01394
About com
Are Low Cholesterol Levels Bad For Your Health?
High Cholesterol, Low Cholesterol - Lipid Levels Are Best At Middle Ground
http://cholesterol.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Can-Your-Cholesterol-Be-Too-Low-.htm
"Crestor apparently has shown a tendency to reduce plaque over 24 months."
It has been reported, that in some individuals, it's possible to halt or reverse atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries to some degree, through lifestyle changes, statin-therapy (**typically high-dose as seen in clinical trials), strict, uniquely-customized or highly-specialized diet (e.g., Ornish), exercise regimen, and stress management.
**Intensive Cholesterol Lowering With Atorvastatin Halts Progression Of Heart Disease, Cleveland Clinic-Led Study Shows
'REVERSAL' Trial
The REVERSAL trial, compared the highest doses available at the time of two popular statin drugs, pravastatin and atorvastatin....
"When we analyzed the results of REVERSAL, we realized that we had found an approach to coronary disease treatment that could literally stop heart disease in its tracks"......
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/03/040309071559.htm
Additionally, the final results of various long-since been completed investigational studies also showed that coronary artery disease can be slowed, stopped or reversed/regressed in some individuals.
CLAS I and II (Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclrosis Study I & II) used a drug regimen of niacin and Colestid (colestipol) and the outcome was reported as a decreased progression of atherosclerosis with end point regression in 16% of individuals.
Familial Atherosclerosis Treatments study (FATS), used the same drug regimen with a reported outcome of regression of CAD with end point reduction in cardiovascular events.
The University of California-San Francisco Specialized Center of Research used a drug regimen of colestipol and Mevacor (statin) with a reported outcome of regression of CAD with no other end point.
Studies other than The REVERSAL trial, which used stand-alone high dose statin therapy (aggressive approach), showed in some individuals. a slight reduction (of (plaque burden) of atherosclerosis, as imaged with non-invasive Electron Beam Computed Tomgraphy (EBCT) as evident by a lower coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans were also used in some studies to show an increase in blood flow to the heart muscle in response to non-interventional (no catheter-based or surgical based procedures) treatment.
Take care,
Cardiostar*
WebMD member (since 8/99)
-
-
Quote!
"Be a questioning patient. TALK to your DOCTOR and ASK QUESTIONS. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"
- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society
.
It's yor future......be there.
. .
WebMD/WebMD forums does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
Report This| Share this:Optimum Cholesterol levelsHi:<br /> <br /><b>The "lower is better" aspect/dilemma.</b><br /><br />Unfortunately, as reported in medical literature, individuals with a very low LDL level may be at an increased risk of developing other medical problems/conditions. <br /> <br />L@@K back in the Media<br /><br />Randomly-selected<br /><br />From a BMJ article -<br /> <br /> <b> Meta-analysis says low LDL cholesterol may be associated with greater risk of cancer<br /></b> <br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1934492">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1934492</a> <br /> <br /> Mayo Clinic<br /> <br /> Q & A<br /> <br /> <b> Can your total cholesterol level be too low?</b><br /> <br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-level/AN01394">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-level/AN01394 </a> <br /> <br /> About com<br /> <br /> <b> Are Low Cholesterol Levels Bad For Your Health?</b><br /> <br /> High Cholesterol, Low Cholesterol - Lipid Levels Are Best At Middle Ground<br /> <br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://cholesterol.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Can-Your-Cholesterol-Be-Too-Low-.htm">http://cholesterol.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Can-Your-Cholesterol-Be-Too-Low-.htm </a> <br /> <br /><i>"Crestor apparently has shown a tendency to reduce plaque over 24 months."</i><br /><br />It has been reported, <b>that in some individuals</b>, it's possible to halt or reverse atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries to some degree, through lifestyle changes, statin-therapy (<b>**typically high-dose as seen in clinical trials</b>), strict, uniquely-customized or highly-specialized diet (e.g., Ornish), exercise regimen, and stress management.<br /> <br /> <b>**Intensive Cholesterol Lowering With Atorvastatin Halts Progression Of Heart Disease, Cleveland Clinic-Led Study Shows</b><br /> <br /> <b> 'REVERSAL' Trial</b><br /> <br /> The REVERSAL trial, compared the <b>highest doses available at the time </b>of two popular statin drugs, pravastatin and atorvastatin....<br /> <br /> "When we analyzed the results of REVERSAL, we realized that we had found an approach to coronary disease treatment <b>that could <u>literally stop </u>heart disease in its tracks</b>"......<br /> <br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/03/040309071559.htm">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/03/040309071559.htm</a> <br /> <br /> Additionally, the final results of various long-since been completed investigational studies also showed that coronary artery disease can be slowed, stopped or reversed/regressed in some individuals. <br /> <br /> CLAS I and II (Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclrosis Study I & II) used a drug regimen of niacin and Colestid (colestipol) and the outcome was reported as a decreased progression of atherosclerosis with end point regression in 16% of individuals. <br /> <br /> Familial Atherosclerosis Treatments study (FATS), used the same drug regimen with a reported outcome of regression of CAD with end point reduction in cardiovascular events. <br /> <br /> The University of California-San Francisco Specialized Center of Research used a drug regimen of colestipol and Mevacor (statin) with a reported outcome of regression of CAD with no other end point. <br /> <br />Studies other than The REVERSAL trial, which used stand-alone high dose statin therapy (aggressive approach), showed in some individuals. a slight reduction (of (plaque burden) of atherosclerosis, as imaged with non-invasive Electron Beam Computed Tomgraphy (EBCT) as evident by a lower coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. <br /> <br /> Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans were also used in some studies to show an increase in blood flow to the heart muscle in response to non-interventional (no catheter-based or surgical based procedures) treatment.<br /> <br /> Take care,<br /> <br /> Cardiostar*<br /><br />WebMD member (since 8/99)<br /><br /> <img src=http://www.animateit.net/data/media/august2009/cardiogram_line.gif class=post_img /><br /> <br /> <br /> -<br /><br />-<br /> <br /> <i> Quote!</i><br /> <br /> "Be a <u>questioning patient</u>. <b>TALK</b> to your <b>DOCTOR </b>and <b>ASK QUESTIONS</b>. Studies show that patients <b>who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results.</b> Be vigilant and speak up!"<br /> <br /> - Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society<br /> <br /> .<br /> <br /> <br /> It's yor future......be there. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br /> . .<br /> <br /> <b> WebMD/WebMD forums <u>does not</u> provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.</b><br /><b><br />WebMD <u>does not</u> endorse any specific product, service or treatment.<br /></b>
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