My cholesterol problems are hereditary, I had a TIA 20 years ago, have taken 40 mg simvastatin ever since. I watch my diet (usually) and try to stay active, but I can't get it below about 140 via natural methods. I still take a garlic pill, fish oil & a fiber pill every day, but it doesn't seem to change much regardless. I take the pill because I wouldn't want to die knowing that there was something else I could have tried but didn't.

With my luck, a stroke wouldn't actually kill me but just leave me as a vegetable and then my wife would leave me out in the rain in a wheelchair & such to repay all the mean tricks I've done to her over the years. She's a vindictive sort & always has the last word.

I don't know how much LDL's can be helped by diet and exercise but I do know that total cholesterol is primarily determined by your genetics.

I'm 60 lbs overweight and have a terrible diet. I eat fast food about daily because it's quick. Other than putting in 8-10 hours of physical labor every day I don't get any exercise.

I just had my annual physical at my Internist in Birmingham.

My total cholesterol was 176.

My mother never eats fast food, always eats baked instead of fried meats, and walks 5 miles every day. She's about as big as a bird. Her cholesterol is over 300 and she has been taking statins for 10 years.

Have more sex. That's the cure all for everything.

Fur did you get those genes from the mailman??

First off, all statins are not equal in terms of causing myalgias. Typically lipitor/zocor/Crestor will cause the worse aches. Recently another statin livalo has come on the market and I have shifted several of my high risk patients over to it who in the past have complained about aches related to statins. So far I've had no complaints.

As far as alternative methods, red yeast rice will help some with LDL. Typically fish oil will only help with triglycerides, and maybe a very modest boost in hdl. And you need to take 4 grams to achieve a benefit. Niacin will increase hdl as well as exercise. Of course strenuous cardio will also cut total cholesterol as well.

To the original poster, if you have had a stroke affecting your eyesight, I would highly encourage you to get on some form of statin. Not only for the affect of lowering cholesterol but statins have an antiinflammatory response on the inside of blood vessels. If you fail one of the generic statins ask your doc about livalo. Regardless good luck

Have more sex. That's the cure all for everything.

Farm animals must really help then if yours is low.

First off, all statins are not equal in terms of causing myalgias. Typically lipitor/zocor/Crestor will cause the worse aches. Recently another statin livalo has come on the market and I have shifted several of my high risk patients over to it who in the past have complained about aches related to statins. So far I've had no complaints.

As far as alternative methods, red yeast rice will help some with LDL. Typically fish oil will only help with triglycerides, and maybe a very modest boost in hdl. And you need to take 4 grams to achieve a benefit. Niacin will increase hdl as well as exercise. Of course strenuous cardio will also cut total cholesterol as well.

To the original poster, if you have had a stroke affecting your eyesight, I would highly encourage you to get on some form of statin. Not only for the affect of lowering cholesterol but statins have an antiinflammatory response on the inside of blood vessels. If you fail one of the generic statins ask your doc about livalo. Regardless good luck

I understand some people have hereditary issues that necessitate pharmaceuticals , but 70% of the American population is on some form of prescription medication. I know full well there aren't that many hereditary issues in the general population. There isn't as much money in actually treating the cause as there is in just maintaining and medicating the patient, but it would be nice to see the medical profession give that a try rather than being legal drug pushers.

Below is a copy and paste from webmd:

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very small number of people taking pitavastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor.
This drug may infrequently cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to very serious conditions called rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune myopathy). Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment and if these symptoms persist after your doctor stops this drug: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), change in the amount of urine.
This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following serious side effects, tell your doctor right away: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

CoQ10- liquid form- about 2-300mg per day

plenty of all natural grapefruit (bout gallon per week) juice (I use florida's natural)

fresh garlic cloves every day.


do this 6 mts-1 yr then have doc give you a cholesterol test. you will be amazed. my bad is nonexistent, the good is thru the roof and blood pressure that of a 20 yr old.. not bad for an old man who drank and smoked like a sailor for too many years.