When Should Statin Drug Be Taken For Borderline High Triglyceride Level?

Posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Answered on

Fri, 4 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I would like to know if a cholesterol level of 228 with a 77 HDL and 131 LDL and 77 Triglyceride level requires a statin drug immediately for a person who does not have heart disease or diabetes and whose hypertension is under control with an average of 115/70. Can some other form of natural treatment without drugs be tried first or is it necessary to begin statin drugs at this point. The only drug the person is taking now is Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide. I am under the auspices that statins increase the chances of getting diabetes among other side effects. Female age 56, 5'5", weight 145 and has never been overweight, just has a bad habit of eating lots of sweets , but can stop eating them cold XXXXXXX whenever wanted. Fried foods are being cut back a lot.

Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Statins are recommended.. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for choosing Healthcaremagic. I have analyzed the history and cholesterol values, the results both triglycerides and LDL are in BORDERLINE HIGH and HDL is absolutely normal, considering the reports and a known hypertensive patients puts the patient under risk of ATHEROSCLEROSIS, for which the new recommendation is to start the statins immediately. This is in recommendation of American Association of Cardiologists. Also eating a healthy diet, low in saturated fats increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet will be much useful.. Please ask if you have more questions. If you are satisfied, please make sure that your ACCEPT my answer so that I receive credit. Good luck!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (13 hours later)

Thank you, If lifestyle changes are made, is it a possibility that the statins can be stopped or do you get hooked on them after taking them 6 months and have to take them forever even though your levels remain normal. Is there a chance of developing diabetes while using these drugs?

Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (23 hours later)

Brief Answer: You need to take it for long term. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX I apologize for the late response; I was away from my computer due to unavoidable reasons. Coming back to your question, usually statins need to be taken regularly. But for how long it depends on each patient. In your case as you are having hypertension, overweight puts you in high risk category for developing Atherosclerosis, you need to take it for a long term with regular follow up. Long term statins intake is the standard now if triglycerides and LDL are high and comorbidities arr present. Dose may be adjusted according to cholesterol status later. Statins have a very good plaque stabilising action to prevent plaque rupture and Acute myocardial infarction. Follow up will keep check if there are any side effects on your liver. May be you need to repeat the lipid profile after 3 months of starting statins. Common side effects are muscle cramps or vomiting..etc Most importantly you need to take healthy diet , regular exercise along with statins for the drug to be effective... Also you need to take the medicine at night when most of the cholesterol is produced. chance of developing diabetes while using these drugs? No. But you need to be careful regarding your diet. Please ask if you have more questions. If you are satisfied, please make sure that your ACCEPT my answer so that I receive credit. Good luck!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar