Diet and lifestyle modifications to lower cholesterol

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi Doctor, I am 35 years old healthy guy. I have cholesterol beginning at the age of 27. I have total 250 cholesterol, where HDL - 46, LDL - 180, HDL - 330. My doctor advised me to use Niacin 500mg tablets for 3 months. My question is, can i use tablets at the age 35 to get rid of cholesterol? I met another doctor but he didn't suggested drugs since i am young 35 years and he wants me to do exercise and diet control. so, which doctor option is good? Thanks, Subra

Dear Subra: According to the American Heart Association the desirable Total cholesterol level is <200 mg/dL. With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease. The lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, it's a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol and optimal level is <100 mg/dL.Triglyceride is another form of fat. If your level is <150 mg/dL it is normal. If this lipid profile was a fasting sample, it is significant because your entire lipid profile is outside of the normal ranges. I would advise a trial of lifestyle and dietary modifications for a three month period, with increased daily exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in monounsaturated fat and low in saturated fat. After a three month period I would advise a repeat fasting lipid sample. If your lipid profile remains abnormal, I would then consider a cholesterol-lowering agent such as a statin, if there are no contraindications to therapy.