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Hi My Doctor Prescribed Me Valsartan 80 Mg , Lipitor
Question: Hi my doctor prescribed me Valsartan 80 mg , Lipitor 10 mg and Synthroid 50 MCG. My BP was in the 140/100 range and is now going down and im responding well to the Valsartan. No side effects. My TSH is at 6.10 and my cholesterol is at 193 however it is improving.
My doctor prescribed me those 3 medicines but i disagree and dont want to take the Lipitor or Synthroid. Here are my reasons:
1. Im asymptomatic hypothyroidism. I do not have any of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism.
2. My cholesterol is still within a range (was 193 but i believe last checked is 184) that i do not feel that a statin is necessary. I believe i can lower my Cholesterol with diet however I realize my dr prescribed this medicine likely for precautionary reasons only.
Also i have researched that If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid. So a statin is a bad idea for someone who is suffering from hypothyroidism.
So for these very reasons i state above i feel that taking only the valsartan for my BP is my best option, the other medications i do not want to take. Am i correct? Do i have any other options. Please review and advise.
Thanks
My doctor prescribed me those 3 medicines but i disagree and dont want to take the Lipitor or Synthroid. Here are my reasons:
1. Im asymptomatic hypothyroidism. I do not have any of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism.
2. My cholesterol is still within a range (was 193 but i believe last checked is 184) that i do not feel that a statin is necessary. I believe i can lower my Cholesterol with diet however I realize my dr prescribed this medicine likely for precautionary reasons only.
Also i have researched that If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid. So a statin is a bad idea for someone who is suffering from hypothyroidism.
So for these very reasons i state above i feel that taking only the valsartan for my BP is my best option, the other medications i do not want to take. Am i correct? Do i have any other options. Please review and advise.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on- Ask a Doctor- service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would like to confirm that your conclusions are right.
Your cholesterol levels are borderline and a reasonable strategy could be modifying your life style and diet.
As your TSH is actually a bit high, probably it would be better to wait a while until the thyroid function is maintained within a steady state bwfore deciding on a lipid lowering therapy.
From the other hand, it is necessary being more careful when deciding on synthroid, as it would correct to periodically chech your thyroid hormones level before deciding on a dose modification stopping.
Meanwhile, I would advise to closely monitor your blood pressure values an discuss with your attending doctor for a new review of your thyroid function in the next appointment.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further questions feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka
cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on- Ask a Doctor- service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would like to confirm that your conclusions are right.
Your cholesterol levels are borderline and a reasonable strategy could be modifying your life style and diet.
As your TSH is actually a bit high, probably it would be better to wait a while until the thyroid function is maintained within a steady state bwfore deciding on a lipid lowering therapy.
From the other hand, it is necessary being more careful when deciding on synthroid, as it would correct to periodically chech your thyroid hormones level before deciding on a dose modification stopping.
Meanwhile, I would advise to closely monitor your blood pressure values an discuss with your attending doctor for a new review of your thyroid function in the next appointment.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further questions feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka
cardiologist
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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