DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 77-year-old healthy male. I am not overweight.
In 2002 my doctor put me on Lipitor. At the time my cholesterol readings were: total 143, HDL 43, LDL, 87, triglycerides 63 and ratio 3.3. Now my readings are: total 93, HDL 45, LDL 39, triglycerides 45 and ratio 2.1.
I have done a lot of research and feel I should not have been put on Lipitor. I am now concerned that my very low cholesterol levels may be dangerous. Can the Lipitor and low cholesterol have caused damage to my body?
DEAR READER:
I do not know why your doctor would have put you on a cholesterol lowering medication with your 2002 numbers. Your numbers were even below levels recommended by cardiologists for patients with a history of stroke and heart attack. They were way below recommended levels for average people.
Lipitor is a powerful medication and should only be used to lower cholesterol in people who do not respond well to dietary modifications and exercise or have had a heart attack or stroke. It should not be used to prevent these conditions.
Low cholesterol can also cause problems. Some studies done in Europe have shown that men are at increased risk of depression and suicide from cholesterol levels that are too low.
Return to your doctor and demand an explanation about why he put you on the Lipitor. In all likelihood you can safely stop the medication. Thanks for writing and let me know what happens.
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