Why Are Lopid Given When Triglyceride Levels Are 472?

Posted on Fri, 20 Feb 2015

Question: Hi I am a 36yo female. Was told my triglycerides are 472 and my ac1 is 8.0. She gave me Lopid. I need too change doctors because she doesn't explain anything and just makes you feel as if you are about to die. My doctor never sits down and talks to me. She is seeing 3 other patients while seeing me and all she does is hand out scripts. I have been suffering from anxiety since getting this news and I am a single mother as well. Is it possible if I eat one unhealthy thing I am going to have a heart attack instantly? Some advice please so I can sleep at night.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You shouldn't worry...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

You should be relaxed because you aren't going to have a heart attack soon even if you eat unhealthy for days.

Diabet and dyslipidemia can cause heart attack after years if untreated properly. This is why is essential to treat diabetes and dyslipidemia in order to prevent long term complications (after 20-30 years).

I suggest to continue with medical therapy and healthy lifestyle (diet and physical activity).

I recommend to change your doctor as long as you're not satisfied with her. Also it's important a regular follow up (every year) with:
- Ecg
- Cardiac Echo
- stress test

This exams are of help in evaluation of heart condition and in early diagnosis of any cardiac problems.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr.Benard

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX thank you so much for giving me some relief. I honestly felt that my life was coming to an end. Also the triglycerides blood test was taken without fasting. Does that make a difference?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend to repeat a fasting lipid profile.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Yes this make a great difference because triglycerides result is influenced directly if you wasn't fasting.

I recommend to repeat a fasting lipid profile again in order to evaluate the exact level of cholesterol and trygliceride.

Wish you health!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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