Hi guys,
I was reading this thread on your forum and thought I could add some good information:
(Please note the wide ranges of these statistics-they vary a LOT)
Statins (as a class of drugs) are reportedly capable of dropping LDL by 18-55%; increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) by 5-15%; and decreasing triglycerides by 7-30%.
Common side effects of statins include overtaxing the liver, muscle pain, and a less common condition called rhabdomyolysis (rapid muscle breakdown).
There is another class of drug called the Resins (cholestyramine, colestepol) that actually combines with bile acids in the gut to lower cholesterol, this may make you constipated or upset your stomach, but really has few other side effects. However, it can bind with your other medications so you have to time the use of these drugs appropriately. Resins reportedly lower your LDL by about 15-30%; they can raise your HDL by about 3-5%.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) is known to have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia. It is reported to increase HDL 15-35%, Decrease triglycerides 20-50%, and lower LDL 5-25%. Because niacin is a vitamin and not regulated by the FDA, doses vary, and a prescription is not necessary. However, keep in mind that niacin can raise blood sugar (if you are diabetic) and it causes flushing in many people.
There is yet another class of drugs worth mentioning. The Fibric Acid Derivatives (Lopid and Tricor) which lowers LDL 5-20%, lowers triglycerides 20-50%, and raises HDL about 10-20%. These drugs are not without side effects: stomach ache, gallstones, and all of the problems involved with the Statins, especially if taken with the Statins.
Zetia is a newer drug on the market, it has few side effects, and is usually prescribed with one of the Statins as an adjunct to further drop LDL. It has little effect on HDL or triglycerides.
Of course, all of this has to be taken with a grain of salt (not literally, especially if you have hypertension). Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting on anything, even herbs (most of the time you could just call them-you don't have to pay for an appointment). Naturopathic medicine definitely has a place in our lives-but I would suggest it should be balanced with western medicine.
Using herbs is definitely not out of the question. Tucker has a great point, lifestyle modification is the first step in changing your lipid profile. Exercise, diet, herbs, and sometimes drugs will help to reduce chances of a heart attack or stroke. Some people just have a genetic predisposition for high Lipids, and are going to need more treatment if they want to avoid clogged arteries. (kind of like those people who smoke two packs a day and live to 95 years, and then someone who never smokes dies of lung cancer)
Hope this helps.