Can I try something else before taking cholesterol lowering drugs?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am a 29 year old woman. I am extremely active, working out 6 days a week. I swim, lift weights and run. I eat a fairly good diet, limiting desert to once or twice a week. My cholesterol is 226. Triglycerides:65, HDL:70, LDL:143. My Dr. wants me to take crestor, but I really don't want to take this drug for the rest of my life. I am afraid it will interfere with my active lifestyle and I am planning on having another child in the next couple of years. Do you really think this medication is necessary? ( I have had high cholesterol since my teen years. At 16 it was 315 so It is down considerably from there.)

Dear Rachel: Your total cholesterol is slightly high but more importantly, the bad cholesterol (LDL) is slightly high. Crestor is one of the best cholesterol lowering drugs and it is the most liver-friendly. In my opinion, since you are still very young, I think you should try having an agreement with him and ask for a 3-month grace period. During this time, you should also modify your diet. In general, a low fat, high fiber diet is advisable. Cream-based dressings (ranch, Caesar) also increases cholesterol levels so go easy on them or use vinaigrettes for your salad instead. Avoid trans-fats or saturated fats, use olive oil or canola oil, eat more of peanuts, avocados, walnuts, pecans, mackerel, albacore tuna and salmon. These foods can help lower cholesterol levels.  Reduce your stress level and continue the exercise regimen. If doing this will normalize your cholesterol levels, then try to bargain with your doctor not to take Crestor and monitor your cholesterol levels every 3-6 months instead. If it would still be high, then, in my opinion, you should agree with your doctor in starting Crestor. I do hope I have enlightened you somehow and I wish you well always.