:( Last June I experienced serious vertigo in addition to the most common side effects of Lipitor and Zetia which I have taken for three years following bypass surgery. Admitted to the ER, went through a series of tests that were all negative. The only unusual finding was that my HDL was 18 and LDL was 92. My Doctor told me to take a Niacin prescription in addition to the two Statins. I had so many bad side effects that I refused the niacin and stopped both statins. After 6 months of cholesterol lowering meds or nasty side effects, my LDL went to 200 and HDL to 28 (still too low). My doctor convinced me to take Vytorin. After one week of a high dosage, I could not tolerate it so he dropped me down to a dose of 10/10. I have been on it for about 4 months. Two days ago I was admitted to my hospital for severe vertigo and facial numbness. After 48 hours of non-stop testing all was negative but my LDL is 123 and my HDL is a frightening 12. What else can I conclude, other than the Vytorin is lowering my HDL. PLEASE TELL ME; FOR A PERSON AGE 60 WITH BYPASS SURGERY, WHAT IS A MORE SERIOUS RISK, LDL OF 200 OR HDL OF 12?

Hi "constable",

Anyone that is experiencing such severe side effects should not be
taking or re-challenged with yet more statins. The main (and only)
statin benefit is that this class of drug is a potent anti-inflammatory.
The fact that statins also lower cholesterol is "irrelevant".
"Inflammation" is the problem, not cholesterol.

55% of the people that have heart attacks and strokes have normal
or low cholesterol.

Lipitor also lowered my husband's HDL, so I thoroughly understand
your concerns.

Please read Dr Graveline's article "Statin Alternatives":
http://www.spacedoc.net/statin_alternatives.htm

Synopsis of Dr Graveline's recommendations:

Statin alternative(s) to reduce/prevent inflammation -
(IE: anti-oxidant, reduce platelet stickiness, controls homocysteine)
1) buffered aspirin - 81 mg
2) CoQ10 - 100 to 150 mg
3) folic acid - 400-800 mcg
B6 - 80-100mg
B12 - 200-250mcg
4) Omega 3 (fish oil or cod liver oil) [ There is no upper limit.]

These four items/categories have the same anti-inflammatory affect as
20 mg's of Lipitor, without side effects.

Also read this post on Dr graveline's Forum:
http://www.spacedoc.net/board/viewtopic.php?t=236

Fran

Many thanks Fran for reading my posting and your helpful reply and I will try the listed alternatives to statins.
Warm regards,
Oliver