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What Do My Lab Test Results Indicate?
Question:
Hi, i am currently breastfeeding my 4 month son and have stopped statins (rosuvastatin 10mg) since i got pregnant. The statins used to keep my cholestrol normal and stopping them have elevated the same.
Now i want to continue bf for a few more months. Had visited dr. XXXXXXX Shenoy (cardiologist) who looked at my elevated cholestrol levels and said i could continue bf but asked me to get two more tests : hs-crp & serum lp (a). Results below.
My questions with the new test results -
1) is it ok for me to not restart statins for another 3/4 months i.e continue bf till baby is 7/8 mts and then restart statins.
2) I am not overweight, eat healthy and my cholestrol is mostly genetic. Father had history of cholestrol, 2 heart attacks and passed away due to cardiac arrest. Is there any chance that i can get off statins in the long run.
Thanks
Results:
29/7/2016
Cardio hs-crp: 3.66 mg/l
Serum lipoprotein (a): 11.5 mg/dl
Latest lipid:
9/6/2016
Triglycerides: 152
Cholestrol: 319
Ldl: 247.6
Hdl: 41
Ratio: 7.78
Vldl: 30.4
Hi, i am currently breastfeeding my 4 month son and have stopped statins (rosuvastatin 10mg) since i got pregnant. The statins used to keep my cholestrol normal and stopping them have elevated the same.
Now i want to continue bf for a few more months. Had visited dr. XXXXXXX Shenoy (cardiologist) who looked at my elevated cholestrol levels and said i could continue bf but asked me to get two more tests : hs-crp & serum lp (a). Results below.
My questions with the new test results -
1) is it ok for me to not restart statins for another 3/4 months i.e continue bf till baby is 7/8 mts and then restart statins.
2) I am not overweight, eat healthy and my cholestrol is mostly genetic. Father had history of cholestrol, 2 heart attacks and passed away due to cardiac arrest. Is there any chance that i can get off statins in the long run.
Thanks
Results:
29/7/2016
Cardio hs-crp: 3.66 mg/l
Serum lipoprotein (a): 11.5 mg/dl
Latest lipid:
9/6/2016
Triglycerides: 152
Cholestrol: 319
Ldl: 247.6
Hdl: 41
Ratio: 7.78
Vldl: 30.4
Brief Answer:
It's okay to avoid Statin till you breast feed
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
I am Dr. Most and I would be addressing your concern .
To start I would reassure you that the Lp ( a) and hs crp both levels are normal and your doctor must have done the same as these are additional factors prediction cardiovascular disease.
Considering your family history which is positive for heart disease we should consider keeping your ldl at least below 130 and preferably below 100 .
Statin is safest and most effective medication for the same .
However considering your present breast feeding it's fine to avoid the Statin at present as the other risk makers are normal ,
Let's not look too much in future , with lifestyle and diet and supplements we should be able to control the same in future .
The present high reading are partly because of pregnancy itself and you shouldn't be stressed about the same .
You may consider taking omega 3 fatty acid capsules 2 gm a day , flaxseed which would bring your hdl up and hence nullify some risk of increased ldl.
Let me know if any clarification is needed .
Regards Dr. Priyank Mody
It's okay to avoid Statin till you breast feed
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
I am Dr. Most and I would be addressing your concern .
To start I would reassure you that the Lp ( a) and hs crp both levels are normal and your doctor must have done the same as these are additional factors prediction cardiovascular disease.
Considering your family history which is positive for heart disease we should consider keeping your ldl at least below 130 and preferably below 100 .
Statin is safest and most effective medication for the same .
However considering your present breast feeding it's fine to avoid the Statin at present as the other risk makers are normal ,
Let's not look too much in future , with lifestyle and diet and supplements we should be able to control the same in future .
The present high reading are partly because of pregnancy itself and you shouldn't be stressed about the same .
You may consider taking omega 3 fatty acid capsules 2 gm a day , flaxseed which would bring your hdl up and hence nullify some risk of increased ldl.
Let me know if any clarification is needed .
Regards Dr. Priyank Mody
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Hello Doctor,
Thanks for your reply. I was getting concerned because of the HS - CRP result of 3.66 as the report said > 3 is highest risk. Good to know that this is normal and i can continue bf.
One last question, based on your answer would it mean that even continuing bf for a longer duration (approx. till baby is 1yr) i.e. for another 6 / 7 months would be fine and not risky.
Thanks for your time!
Thanks for your reply. I was getting concerned because of the HS - CRP result of 3.66 as the report said > 3 is highest risk. Good to know that this is normal and i can continue bf.
One last question, based on your answer would it mean that even continuing bf for a longer duration (approx. till baby is 1yr) i.e. for another 6 / 7 months would be fine and not risky.
Thanks for your time!
Brief Answer:
Yes you can continue breast feeding . Repeat lipid profile after 2 months
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
I apologise for being late .
Hs crp it considered high when more than 5 and the value more than 7 correlates with future risk of heart disease .
As it is a marker of inflammation, I have suggested that you consider fish oil omega 3 capsules as it has good anti oxidant properties apart from its effect on cholesterol .
Now the effects of increased cholesterol ( in the range of (^250) doesn't have any immediate risk for heart issues , rather it becomes a risk factor it's long run , considering the benefit of breast feeding to the baby and your own body by maintaining the protective hormones on higher scale would nullify the effects of increased cholesterol on the heart .
It's always the risk benefit ratio and my opinion based on solid science , I would suggest that the benefit is far higher with continuation of breath feeding for time being . Keep a tab on lipid profile every 2- 3 months and see for the trend .
.
Let me know if any further clarification is needed and I would be happy to clarify .
Regards Dr. Priyank Mody
Yes you can continue breast feeding . Repeat lipid profile after 2 months
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
I apologise for being late .
Hs crp it considered high when more than 5 and the value more than 7 correlates with future risk of heart disease .
As it is a marker of inflammation, I have suggested that you consider fish oil omega 3 capsules as it has good anti oxidant properties apart from its effect on cholesterol .
Now the effects of increased cholesterol ( in the range of (^250) doesn't have any immediate risk for heart issues , rather it becomes a risk factor it's long run , considering the benefit of breast feeding to the baby and your own body by maintaining the protective hormones on higher scale would nullify the effects of increased cholesterol on the heart .
It's always the risk benefit ratio and my opinion based on solid science , I would suggest that the benefit is far higher with continuation of breath feeding for time being . Keep a tab on lipid profile every 2- 3 months and see for the trend .
.
Let me know if any further clarification is needed and I would be happy to clarify .
Regards Dr. Priyank Mody
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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