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Dear Dr. Gott: I have been taking statins to control my cholesterol. I've taken Crestor, Lipitor and simvastatin. Unfortunately, they all seem to cause excessive urinating through the night. I'm tired all the time, and I have muscle cramps.

Is there something else apart from a statin that I could take? When I do complain, my doctor just goes to another statin. I'm 75 and male.

Dear Reader: Physicians prefer total cholesterol levels to be 200 or lower. Unfortunately, using a statin or any other drug to accomplish this could lead to unpleasant consequences. For instance, muscle pain, headache, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, increased urination, insomnia, liver failure and still more can result.

Cholesterol is vital for the normal function of literally every cell in the body. However, when in excess, it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque formations within the arteries). When plaque blocks arteries, blood flow is reduced to the tissues. When that plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms, further blocking the artery. When a sufficient reduction occurs, heart attack, angina (chest pain) or stroke results.

Your physician has prescribed numerous drugs in the statin category and you have suffered similar consequences with each of them. You might make an appointment to discuss a trial period of alternative therapy such as weight reduction, exercise, using supplemental B vitamins or niacin, taking over-the-counter cholesterol-lowering drugs with plant stanols and sterols, and modifying your diet by eliminating or substantially reducing butter, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, organ meats, cold cuts and cheeses. Give the program a period of a few months, have your blood tested to see if there is any improvement, and go from there.

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maryl Dr. Gott, I like your sensible approach. Drugs are not always the answer, are they? You did mention over-the-counter "drugs" with plant sterols and stanols. May I direct you to a natural approach that my cardiologist approved of. For health care professionals, you may go to www.physicians.shaklee.com and find out the science behind Cholesterol Reduction Complex.
Thanks for watching out for our health. Mary
Thu Feb 9, 2012, 8:58:11 AM EST

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