REDUCE CHOLESTROL

[Oldposts]

Hi Asif,

Your father's cholesterol level is not alarmingly high though it is above the threshold level of 200. In order to reduce the level of cholesterol he could be put on one of the statins such Zocor or Mevacor or the doc might put him on other cholesterol lowering agents such as cholestyramine. All these drugs have side effects, for example statins can cause muscle and liver damage and so screening for these effects might be advisable after taking them for several months.

In addition your father should adopt a heart healthy diet which usually means a diet low in staturated fat, low in cholesterol and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. He should limit intake of red meat and avoid organ meats such as liver, brain and kidney. He should also avoid high cholesterol items such as prawns and crabs. When he takes chicken the skin should be removed and the fat trimmed. Generally, all kinds of fish is good.

Mary