From: Dr. Neal Pinckney (ip64-75-190-45.dial.aloha.net)
Subject: Re: High Cholesterol (3 questions)
Date: January 20, 2002 at 11:41 am PST

In Reply to: High Cholesterol posted by Bob on January 19, 2002 at 10:12 pm:

To answer your questions:

Q1: Will I always have to take medicine (like Lipitor) even after I reduce my numbers?
A: Cholesterol-lowering medications are never the first choice. They are primarily for those who will not or cannot change their lifestyle.
In a vast majority of cases, lifestyle changes alone bring lipids to a safe level. A small percentage of people, however, are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, no matter what they do. Following the lifestyle program, it is more likely that one will not continue to need medications.

Q2: Once you have high Cholesterol, do you always have a higher risk even if you lower the numbers to a safe level and keep them there?
A: No. it has been clearly demonstrated that coronary artery disease is reversable. But one must continue on a lifestyle program of diet and exercise to prevent restenosis (building plaque or blockages again).

Q3: [Have I] permanently damaged myself just in one year of not eating and exercising properly.
A: No. Any damage is not likely to be permanent, unless caused by a heart attack or stroke. The more you follow the program, the less your risk should be.