ADDRESSING, REDUCING HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Elevated blood cholesterol data obtained in June, discussed with my Geriatric Specialist Dr. Jarrod Faucher in July led to imaging of coronary artery calcium (1) to assess my risk status, (2) to consider remedial options in August.  

STILL REGAINING

UPPER BODY STRENGTH

I am now in my sixth month of recovery since the March 23rd accident that was responsible for the extensive soft tissue trauma to my upper torso along with arms, wrists  - injuries to each from forceful contact with the steering wheel resulting in compromised skin, bleeding. 

Despite still experiencing discomfort in my shoulders and back along with lingering referred pain daily in my upper right arm, I have been able to raise my body weight recently in various asanas including the ELEVATED FULL LOTUS shown above - taken by me in condo yoga studio using smartphone camera with a ten second exposure delay.

HEALTH STATUS UPDATE

HYPERLIPIDEMIA

(HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL)

Earlier this June I had blood taken for various lab assays including a lipid panel before my sixth annual scheduled meeting to discuss ongoing medical concerns with Dr. Faucher.

The lipid panel measures Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and, at times, other lipid markers used by physicians to help evaluate health risk factors. 

Since enrolling in Medicare at 65, my Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol values have been elevated - exceeding the recommended guidelines* - despite eating mostly plant food sources, maintaining my high school weight.

* Total Cholesterol below 200 mg/dL

 LDL Cholesterol under 100 mg/dL

Data from these past six years provide evidence that my body naturally produces levels of Cholesterol that exceed medical guidelines - this year my Total Cholesterol was the highest during this period as I ate more dairy foods during 2020, 2021. 

My June lipid panel data along with the low to high value ranges during 2016 to 2020 are presented below. 

JUNE 3, 2021

LIPID PANEL DATA

(mg/dL)

• Whole Cholesterol .... 276  (199 to 232)
• LDL Cholesterol ........ 193  (120 to 150)
• Triglycerides ............ 109  (67 to 119)
• HDL Cholesterol ........  64  (55 to 69)

WHOLE CHOLESTEROL/HDL: 4.31

The lipid panel also provided values for non-HDL Cholesterol (212 mg/dL) and Apoliprotein B (140 mg/dL) - both very high, exceeding recommended ranges.

I was aware of potential silent risk factors like hypertension and diabetes that often led to serious negative outcomes.

These lipid panel data were 'red flags' that could no longer be addressed sufficiently via physical activity, nutrition.

More important,

they could not be  ignored.

ACKNOWLEDGING

 THE 

'RED FLAGS',

WHAT TO DO ?

Consuming more dairy foods during the six to seven months to complement my daily selections of veggies, nuts, seeds, fruits, legumes, other plant sources was intentional.

I had not anticipated the significant increase in Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol values revealed from the blood assays.

It was obvious my daily walking had little or no effect on lowering my blood Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol levels but likely did contribute and improve (lower) my blood pressure. 

A PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATION,

A DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING REFERRAL

Taking a prescribed statin is something Dr. Faucher knew I long wanted to avoid due to concerns about the many potential negative side effects based on my readings over many years.

However, I know from experience that taking two prescribed vitamins (B12 and D2) after discovery of extremely low levels prevented negative consequences from their absence.

I was seeking additional and more direct, empirical evidence to warrant using medication to reduce the high Cholesterol levels naturally programmed and mostly synthesized within my liver hepatocytes.

It was obvious I was one among many producing Cholesterol, variations that could not be controlled by my actions: largely independent of my nutrition choices, physical activities, adolescent weight.

Our conversation led to a known coronary calcium artery scan that would involve a brief, relatively minimal radiation exposure.

Dr. Faucher  authorized approval for this diagnostic test not covered by Medicare - an out-of-pocket cost of $257.00 - that I paid in advance of the procedure. 

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY

OF 

CORONARY ARTERIES

This brief, non-invasive diagnostic scan of four heart arteries documents the absence, presence of  calcium in plaque within the blood vessels.

Plaque is composed of substances including cholesterol, calcium, white blood cells with a region of the artery identified as the tunica intima - reflecting the role of immune cells, the inflammation process in its production.

Accumulated plaque hardens and, over time, can restrict blood flow required to maintain heart muscle functions with a number of deadly possible consequences

The medical community refers to this occurrence as atherosclerosis, a disease of the arteries.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

  from

 Greek

 [athero = gruel or paste, sclerosis = hardening]

CORONARY

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Data of four blood vessels, their calcium score and the statistical risk* of each are listed below:

1. Left Main Artery, 196.2, Moderately High
2. Left Anterior Descending Artery, 318.9, Moderately High
3. Left Coronary Artery, 35.2, Mild Risk
4. Right Coronary Artery, 184.6, Moderate Risk

* Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden

A 

SOBERING

TOTAL CALCIUM SCORE

My total calcium score was 734.9 - the radiologist wrote: "Extensive atherosclerotic plaque burden. Risk is high."

This high risk data from my scan is a five year risk predictor.

The calcium score does not take into account what physicians refer to as 'soft plaque' which may be present and represent another source of risk.

NOTE

These data are a reminder of a process that undoubtedly began decades ago when my daily nutrition choices were poor - in stark contrast to my focused and improved food selections coinciding with my reconstructive thoracic surgery when I was 50.

 MITIGATING FACTORS

Acknowledging this risk, I also know my lifestyle choices focusing on yoga mobility and making more informed nutrition choices this past decade have led to significant, positive health outcomes.

At 70

. Among the positive: I have maintained my adolescent weight, am lean, strong and mobile, eat mostly plants, am physically active daily, do not smoke, drink, or use drugs recreationally, am not diabetic, without hypertension and get rest, reduce exposure to harmful stress, engage in daily social activities of interest, enjoy quiet time, being alone, enjoy reading, sharing experiences on my yoga blog, able to "quiet racing thoughts", enjoy body-mind connection (Thank you Ray Hoyt!). 

Significantly, I have a heathy relationship with my Geriatric Specialist, Dr. Faucher - able to talk openly on topics of concern - and continue to value his role these past six years in improving the quality of my life.

ACTION  TAKEN

I began taking both Rosuvastatin, Aspirin on August 4, 2021 - having the benefit beforehand of a lengthy and informative conversation with my physician friend, my legally appointed health care proxy with over three decades of experience. 

To RB, an acknowledgment of appreciation for listening and sharing your empirical experiences - a welcomed and valued gift.

REDUCING

ELEVATED

CHOLESTEROL 

LEVELS

AFTER 

22 DAYS

 OF

 STATIN, ASPIRIN

I requested Dr. Faucher order blood and urine samples:

• to obtain baseline lipid panel levels to compare with the June 3rd values

• to evaluate possible negative side effects to muscle, liver, kidney, other body organs

• to check blood glucose levels, evidence of bleeding, 

My request to have both blood and urine samples taken were approved.

On August 26th the samples were provided at St. Vincent's Hospital after I had fasted for over 16 hours, also taken a morning walk - my morning weight was 118.4 pounds. 

AUGUST LIPID PANEL

 USING 

ROSUVASTATIN, ASPIRIN

(mg/dL)

• TOTAL CHOLESTEROL .. to 131 from 276
• TRIGLYCERIDES .......... to 58 from 102
• LDL CHOLESTERO L....... to 59 from 132 
• VLDL CHOLESTEROL .....13 
• HDL CHOLESTEROL ...... 59

* WHOLE CHOLESTEROL/HDL: 2.22

* A significantly lower risk ratio

 

NO OBVIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

I was smiling reading the data of the five lab reports  all providing empirical assay evidence my muscle, liver and kidney functions were all within 'normal' ranges.

 

Especially noteworthy was having a glucose reading of 82 - my lowest value in the past six years.

There was no evidence of any internal bleeding documented.

LOOKING FORWARD

WITH

OPTIMISM

IMMEDIATE

NUTRITION
IMPLICATIONS 

I will continue to consume the 95+% of plant foods daily as I have been doing for years.

Sources of foods that will increase my Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol will be monitored and likely further reduced, avoided totally to help lower my high current risk, future risk factors.

ONE MORNING MEAL

FROM

THE ROSE ROOM

(WEBSTER, MA)

GREEK YOGURT

With

SEASONAL FRUIT JAM

NUTTY BIRD GRANOLA
 

DALIY 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

YOGA AND WALKING

WILL 

CONTINUE

My morning and evening yoga sessions in my condo will soon enter a 12th year and remain a daily source of enjoyment, satisfaction.

I remain grateful for how I can move now. 

DEMONSTRATING

WHOLE BODY JOINT MOBILITY

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED

BOB CROWTHER - NUTRITION - YOGA

Yoga, Issues With Statins

Bob Crowther considers the recently announced new cholesterol guidelines, use of statins, and some questions raised about this class of medications. 

National news coverage has alerted the pubic and raised many questions about the use of statins to lower the risks of a heart attack and stroke.

This public media coverage occurred following the recent announcement of new cholesterol guidelines by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Individual/family genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, increased blood pressure, unhealthy weight (obesity), smoking and peripheral artery disease are among the health risk factors - along with cholesterol - that cardiologists use to prescribe statins for patients.

Controversy within the medical community resulted from reported claims that the current calculator - part of the new guidelines - may be flawed and overestimated the risk factors of healthy individuals: statins would be recommended for millions not needing them.

This revelation has generated considerable commentary about statins including conflict of interest and absence of controlled clinical trails. 

Opinions published in the New York Times this past week document a wide range of both cautionary and critical views about statins that are worth reading. 

These brief articles have generated public commentary also of interest.  

For many years statins were recommended by cardiologists to help reduce cholesterol levels (LDL) below specific numbers - with the recent announcement, no longer would the focus be on specific cholesterol values.

Americaan Heart Association

Under the new guidelines, statins would be warranted for individuals that had experienced a heart attack and for those (ages 40 -75) with diabetes and a designated risk of 7.5% or higher.

This number would be compiled using the calculator from personal and medical data to assess future cardiovascular events including a heart attack and stroke over the next decade.

Statins, including Crestor, Lipitor and Zocir, are medications used alone or with other drugs to interfere with the synthesis of cholesterol. 

Other benefits may include anti-inflammatory properties, lowering blood pressure and reducing blood clot formation.

Muscle and joint issues, nausea and constipation are among the more common and less serious statin side effects. 

Significantly, the Mayo Clinic recognizes that statins also can contribute to serious negative side effects as well: 

• severe muscle pain, muscle injury
• liver damage
• higher blood sugar levels / diabetes 
• neurological including memory loss/ confusion (among others) 

Contact

Bob Crowther

774-272-5760

bob@bobcrowther.com

An alternative option for many individuals would entail modifying their lifestyles: to become more physically active (consider yoga), making informed nutrition decisions, to reduce overall daily stress and getting rest. 

Women and men are encouraged to speak with their doctors (primary care and heart specialists) and to ask questions about what is best for them that may include the following:

• clarify if you are among those with high health risk factors to suffer a heart attack or stroke

• inquire about whether lifestyle changes alone can lower your health risk factors and discuss available options if statin use results in serious side effects including adversely interacting with other medications. 

Become Proactive. 

 Learn more about cholesterol, stations  to help you to make informed and safe decisions.

 #Cardiovascular Diseases #Cholesterol #Statins #Yoga And Nutrition 

Yoga, Cholesterol Overview

Bob Crowther has organized some current perceptions, online resources about cholesterol. 

The American Medical Association (AMA) warns against high blood cholesterol levels and has provided guidelines to the general public for identifying risks leading to atherosclerosis, a heart attack, angina and stroke. 

Learn More About Cholesterol And Nutrition Options

Cholesterol is a fat soluble alcohol (a sterol) that is produced mainly in the liver and is important for normal body functions. 

How much endogenous cholesterol is synthesized reflects individual genetics/family histories. 

Age, sex and ethnicity also may be important risk factors for expressing deadly diseases. 

Biological functions of cholesterol include the following: 

•  important component of cell membranes    
•  involved in cell permeability   
•  precursor to adrenal and sex hormones    
•  bile synthesis   
•  associated with metabolism of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

As cholesterol is naturally made, dietary cholesterol consumption is not required.

Blood cholesterol is carried, among others including triglycerides, by two types of lipoproteins commonly abbreviated as:

1.  LDL (low-density lipoprotein) 
2.  HDL (high-density lipoprotein) 

A blood test can measure total cholesterol  and individual components (LDL, HDL and triglycerides). 

A total cholesterol value below 200 mg/dL is encouraged by the medical community (see NIH Blood, Heart and Lung Institute website).

Bad, Good Cholesterol

LDL is the most prevalent form and considered the bad cholesterol - it transfers cholesterol to cells from the liver. 

A blood value less than 100 mg/dL is recommended by the AMA; higher numbers increase the risk of arterial disease.

HDL transfers cholesterol from cells to the liver for removal from the body and is referred to as the good cholesterol - a blood value of 60 mg/dL and above is desired.

Triglycerides associated with cholesterol form the blood fat - blood values under 150 mg/dL are suggested.

Medications including statins that lower LDL levels are an option for many individuals.

Other factors having a negative health impact by contributing to high cholesterol numbers include:

• poor food choices
• sedentary lifestyle
• being overweight/obese 
• smoking 
• alcohol 

Foods with high saturated fats and trans fats should be avoided - both are metabolized to increase LDL levels and can over time contribute to cardiovascular disease.

The Mayo Clinic identifies food choices that can lower cholesterol levels.

Consumption of plant sterols have been promoted to decrease LDL levels - these compounds are found in certain plant products (wheat germ; some vegetables and fruits) 

[see Cleveland Clinic and Joslin Diabetes Center websites].

Note: Cholesterol Greek word origins were obtained from Wikipedia. 

Yoga And Nutrition #Cholesterol #LDL #HDL