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Articles categorized as High Cholesterol

Article imageJoe Graedon - November 20, 2024
Article imageJoe Graedon - November 18, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - November 21, 2024 - 9 comments

Show 1409: From Hippocrates to Hypocrisy: The Hidden Risks of Healthcare

Our expert guest tells how to spot the hidden risks of healthcare and what to do to avoid them. Many problems are similar around the world.

Joe Graedon - August 19, 2024

Has Your Doctor Fired You? Can Doctors Do That?

Terry Graedon - July 10, 2024

Fasting to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes

Terry Graedon - July 8, 2024

How to Improve Your Cholesterol with Cocoa

Joe Graedon - July 7, 2024

Low LDL Cholesterol Linked to Bleeding Strokes

Joe Graedon - May 13, 2024

Do Your Drug’s Benefits Outweigh Its Risks?

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Terry Graedon - April 28, 2024

Should You Restrict the Number of Eggs You Eat?

If you have been told to restrict the number of eggs you eat, you may want to check again. It may be safe to consume an egg a day.

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Terry Graedon - April 15, 2024

Do Statins Lower CoQ10 Levels? Can Supplements Correct That?

Cholesterol-controlling statins lower CoQ10 levels, but supplements do not reliably reverse muscle side effects.

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Joe Graedon - April 8, 2024

How Does Red Yeast Rice Compare to Statins?

Red yeast rice (aka RYR) is a very popular dietary supplement. How does it compare to simvastatin? What about RYR side effects? Is RYR safer than statins?

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Terry Graedon - April 4, 2024

Does Red Yeast Rice for Lowering Cholesterol Have Side Effects?

While many people may choose to try red yeast rice as a natural alternative to cholesterol lowering drugs, they should be advised that they may experience red yeast side effects just as they would wit

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Terry Graedon - March 31, 2024

What Is the Risk of Red Yeast Rice?

The risk of red yeast rice for causing muscle pain is lower than that of a statin, but some people do develop muscle problems as a consequence.

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Joe Graedon - March 25, 2024

Are Some People More Aggressive on Statins?

Are some people more aggressive on statins? Low cholesterol levels have been linked to depression and aggression. A doctor shares his story.

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Joe Graedon - February 26, 2024

Is It Safe to Take Red Yeast Rice for High Cholesterol?

Most people who take red yeast rice to lower cholesterol do well. But a few experience side effects. What is the best RYR on the market?

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Joe Graedon - February 12, 2024

Repatha to Lower LDL Cholesterol: Uses, Abuses, Side Effects and Complications

TV commercials make Repatha look appealing. But Repatha to lower LDL cholesterol is pricey. Does it save lives? What about side effects?

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Terry Graedon - January 21, 2024

Will You Lower Your Cholesterol With Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle extract can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It blocks the same enzyme as statins.

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Joe Graedon - December 7, 2023

Should Everyone Over 65 Take a Statin to Prevent a Heart Attack?

A new study suggests that not enough people are taking a statin to prevent a heart attack! It should be 150 million Americans. Really? Yikes!

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Joe Graedon - November 20, 2023

The Statin Bandwagon Rolls On!

If you are between 40 and 75 should you be taking a statin to prevent a heart attack? The USPSTF statin bandwagon rolls on. Read the numbers!

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Terry Graedon - September 21, 2023

Does It Make Sense to Order Your Own Laboratory Tests?

When you order laboratory tests online, make sure you know what the company does with your data as well as how reliable it is.

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Joe Graedon - August 24, 2023

Shocking Conflicts of Interest in Nonprofit Patient Charities

Americans trust nonprofit patient organizations educating about cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer disease. Beware Conflicts of Interest!

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Terry Graedon - May 21, 2023

Natural Ways to Get Your Cholesterol Down

Can you get your cholesterol down with natural products? Niacin, red yeast rice, turmeric and psyllium may help control lipids.

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Joe Graedon - May 4, 2023

Does CRP Inflammation Trump LDL-C for Heart Disease?

How does LDL cholesterol compare to CRP inflammation when it comes to predicting heart attacks in high-risk patients? New data are intriguing!

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Terry Graedon - May 1, 2023

How to Improve Cholesterol and Triglycerides with Krill Oil

Taking omega-3 fats from krill oil helped a reader reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and stabilize an irregular heartbeat.

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Joe Graedon - April 17, 2023

Statins and Muscle Pain: What Else Can He Do To Lower LDL?

Many physicians are adamant that statins rarely cause any side effects. And yet readers continue to report a connection between statins and muscle pain.

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Joe Graedon - April 3, 2023

How Well Do CAC Scores Predict Heart Attack Risk?

MDs use coronary artery calcification, CAC scores, to determine heart disease risk. Does the CAC predict heart attacks? Do statins raise CAC?

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Terry Graedon - March 27, 2023

What Do You Know About the New Cholesterol Drug Nexletol?

When the FDA approved a new cholesterol drug, bempedoic acid, it told patients to take it with a statin. Now some people take it instead.

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Terry Graedon - March 27, 2023

Is It Unhealthy to Drink Unfiltered Coffee?

Unfiltered coffee prepared by boiling or French press methods can raise cholesterol. Filtered coffee has numerous health benefits.

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Terry Graedon - March 27, 2023

Is It Safe to Take Alli for a Long Time?

Alli is an over-the-counter weight loss pill that lowers cholesterol too. Can you safely take Alli for a long time?

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Joe Graedon - March 16, 2023

Will Nexletol (Bempedoic Acid) Replace Statins?

Is the cholesterol-lowering drug Nexletol (bempedoic acid) a breakthrough vs cholesterol? What are the side effects? Will it replace statins?

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Joe Graedon - February 27, 2023

Is it Risky to Take Atorvastatin with Grapefruit Juice?

Millions of people take statins daily. Are there dangerous food and drug interactions? What about atorvastatin with grapefruit juice?

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Terry Graedon - February 2, 2023

Is Coffee Really Bad for You?

Studies show that coffee drinkers are less likely to get heart failure or die of heart disease. Unfiltered coffee, though, is bad for you.

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Terry Graedon - January 30, 2023

Can You Lower Your Cholesterol with Bergamot?

Some research suggests that an extract of the citrus fruit bergamot can lower cholesterol much as red yeast rice does. Is it right for you?

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Joe Graedon - November 9, 2022

Are You Wasting Money On Supplements Against Heart Disease?

A new study suggests that Americans are wasting money on supplements to fight heart disease. How compelling are the data? Get the inside scoop

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Joe Graedon - September 5, 2022

Why Do Doctors Hate Stories of Statin Side Effects?

Have you ever experienced statin side effects? Some doctors think stories of statin side effects are fake medical news or fear mongering.

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Joe Graedon - May 23, 2022

New Analysis Disputes Dogma that All Seniors Need Statins

Patients following recommendations from the American College of Cardiology need statins as they get older. That's most men over 64!

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Terry Graedon - May 12, 2022

Show 1301: What Are Forever Chemicals Doing in Food Packaging?

In these interviews, we discuss PFAS, known as forever chemicals. Consumer Reports found them in some but not all restaurant food wrappers.

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Terry Graedon - March 24, 2022

What Is the Best Diet to Lower Cholesterol?

If you focus on vegetables, fruits and whole grains and avoid processed foods, you're on a good diet to lower cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon - March 14, 2022

Doctors and Patients Confused About Statins and Muscle Damage

The FDA lists myositis and rhabdomyolysis as serious statin side effects. What is the connection between statins and severe muscle damage?

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Joe Graedon - January 24, 2022

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About the Statin and Diabetes Connection

Many cardiologists were reluctant to acknowledge the statin and diabetes connection. Now each patient deserves to weigh the risks.

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Terry Graedon - January 17, 2022

Do Glucosamine and Chondroitin Increase Your Cholesterol?

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements taken to alleviate joint pain may increase your cholesterol. What else can you use for pain relief?

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Joe Graedon - October 18, 2021

If Statins Cause Diabetes, Why Should ALL Diabetics Take a Statin?

Evidence from many studies indicates that statins cause diabetes. People who are at risk for this metabolic disorder should be wary.

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Terry Graedon - September 30, 2021

Which Is Better for Blood Lipids–Low-Carb or Low-Fat?

A randomized controlled trial found that people have better blood fat profiles and less insulin resistance on a low-carb diet.

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Terry Graedon - September 27, 2021

How to Make Your Blood Fats Healthier

Regular exercise and a Mediterranean-style diet can change blood fats so that they are less likely to increase the risk for heart disease.

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Terry Graedon - July 26, 2021

Is There a Link Between Statin Drugs and Gingivitis?

No one knows if statin drugs to lower cholesterol increase the likelihood of inflamed gums and gingivitis. Dentists must study this.

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Terry Graedon - June 3, 2021

Tai Chi Can Help Control Waist Size

Practicing tai chi can help reduce the waistline, control body weight and raise good HDL cholesterol. It also helps improve balance and sleep.

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Terry Graedon - March 11, 2021

People with Cardiovascular Disease Do Better Eating Fish

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Terry Graedon - February 22, 2021

What Is the Best Breakfast to Lower Cholesterol?

One reader discovered that adding walnuts, blueberries, flaxseed and cinnamon made Cheerios the best breakfast to lower cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon - October 26, 2020

Can Good HDL Cholesterol Go Too High?

We have been told to get our LDL cholesterol down and our HDL choleserol up. Is there evidence that good HDL is bad if it gets too high?

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Terry Graedon - October 22, 2020

Show 1232: What Should People Do to Protect Their Hearts?

People can use sensible approaches to protect their hearts, such as a Mediterranean diet and exercise. What risk factors matter?

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Terry Graedon - September 28, 2020

What Is the Link Between Low Thyroid and High Cholesterol?

Many people have low thyroid and high cholesterol, because thyroid hormone is required to normalize lipid metabolism.

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Joe Graedon - September 14, 2020

Big Pharma’s Secret Strategy to Fool You

Do you have any idea how effective your medicine really is? Drug companies have a secret strategy: misleading drug stats can confuse doctors.

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Terry Graedon - September 7, 2020

Will Olive Oil Raise Your Good HDL Cholesterol?

Using virgin olive oil in your diet can increase your good HDL cholesterol and possibly lower your risk of heart problems.

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Terry Graedon - July 9, 2020

How You Should Eat to Lower Cholesterol Is Controversial

An international panel says there's little evidence that LDL cholesterol is an important risk factor for heart disease. A low-fat diet might not be helpful.

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Terry Graedon - July 2, 2020

Snacking on Almonds Improves Your Blood Vessels

British researchers found that snacking on almonds instead of mini-muffins boosts blood vessel flexibility and lowers LDL cholesterol levels.

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Terry Graedon - December 19, 2019

Will Two Apples a Day Keep Your Heart Healthy?

Researchers report that people eating two apples a day, everything except the core, lowered their total and LDL cholesterol modestly.

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Joe Graedon - November 6, 2019

Should You Take Your Pills at Breakfast or Bedtime?

How do you take your pills? Are you a morning person or a nighttime person? What beverage do you swallow them with? You'll be surprised to learn it matters.

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Terry Graedon - October 28, 2019

Could Pomegranate Juice React Badly with Crestor?

You might worry about whether pomegranate juice will react badly with your medication, but it should not create problems with rosuvastatin (Crestor).

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Terry Graedon - October 17, 2019

Can Men Get an Extra Benefit from a Statin?

While doctors argue about how well a statin prevents heart disease in healthy people, researchers have found an unexpected benefit from a statin for men.

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Terry Graedon - June 6, 2019

Can Blueberries Combat Metabolic Syndrome?

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Terry Graedon - June 6, 2019

Is White Meat Better for Your Heart Than Red Meat?

Should you choose white meat such as chicken instead of red meat like beef or pork? To lower cholesterol, pick plant protein in a low sat fat diet.

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Terry Graedon - May 29, 2019

No Need to Fast for a Cholesterol Test

For purposes of predicting heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, a nonfasting cholesterol test works as well one taken while fasting.

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Terry Graedon - May 23, 2019

How Risky Is It to Eat an Egg?

Evidence from a Finnish study shows you could probably eat an egg a day without increasing your risk for stroke or heart disease.

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Joe Graedon - May 20, 2019

Turmeric Lowered Cholesterol Raised by Glucosamine?

Have you ever taken glucosamine and chondroitin for sore joints? Did this combo raise cholesterol? Turmeric lowered cholesterol AND eased inflammation.

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Terry Graedon - May 6, 2019

Must You Grind Flaxseed to Get Its Nutritional Benefits?

The scientific consensus is that if you grind flaxseed, you get more of the fiber, lignans and omega-3 fats that make it a healthful food.

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Joe Graedon - April 22, 2019

Why Would Anyone Want to Raise Cholesterol Levels?

We're told that total and LDL cholesterol are really bad. What if such lipids are very low naturally? Are there any risks? Can you raise cholesterol levels?

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The People's Pharmacy - April 1, 2019

Will Kiwifruit Raise Your Good HDL Cholesterol?

A reader found that eating two kiwifruit daily for many months raised beneficial HDL cholesterol into the desirable range.

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Terry Graedon - March 25, 2019

Can You Use Cinnamon to Reduce Your Cholesterol?

Adding cinnamon to food or taking a water-extracted cinnamon supplement may help you reduce your cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels.

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Terry Graedon - February 11, 2019

Is It Possible to Lower Cholesterol with Margarine?

A reader's experience confirms research showing you can lower cholesterol with margarine that contains plant stanols or sterols.

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Terry Graedon - January 3, 2019

Show 1147: How Do You Control Your Cholesterol?

To prevent heart disease, you need to control your cholesterol. Do you do that with diet, supplements and exercise, or do you also take medication?

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Joe Graedon - December 10, 2018

Will Yellow Mustard Ease Cramps from Statins?

Have you heard of SAMS? It stands for statin-associated muscle symptoms. It may be more common than doctors think. Could mustard and/or Coenzyme Q10 help?

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Terry Graedon - November 8, 2018

Will Alirocumab Save You from a Heart Attack?

A new study shows that alirocumab added to statins can help some people at very high risk of a heart attack. How high is your risk?

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Terry Graedon - August 23, 2018

Helping Your Heart Means Boosting Your Brain

A study of French senior citizens shows that if you do a good job of helping your heart with diet and exercise, you also dramatically lower your likelihood of dementia.

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Terry Graedon - August 19, 2018

What Are the Health Benefits of Cinnamon in Coffee?

Adding cinnamon and cocoa to coffee may enhance its benefits for blood sugar and heart health as well as its flavor. Our reader tells how to do this.

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Terry Graedon - June 28, 2018

Will Eating Walnuts Lower Your Cholesterol?

An analysis of data from previous studies shows that people eating walnuts have lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They don't gain weight or raise their blood pressure.

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Joe Graedon - June 4, 2018

Statins and Diabetes | What Happens When Blood Sugar Rises?

What happens when a prescribed medication raises blood sugar levels? Are statins and diabetes connected? What if glucose levels return to normal when statins are stopped?

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Terry Graedon - April 23, 2018

No Study Support for Fish Oil Soothing Dry Eyes

Although fish oil has a reputation for soothing dry eyes, a recent randomized controlled trial found that placebo capsules of olive oil worked just as well.

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Terry Graedon - April 16, 2018

How to Control Your Blood Sugar Without Drugs

You may be able to lower both your cholesterol and your blood sugar without drugs. You'll need to focus on exercise, diet and stress reduction.

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Terry Graedon - March 19, 2018

Will Garlic Really Lower Your Blood Pressure?

Do you wonder whether garlic has earned its reputation as a heart-healthy flavor? Studies suggest that garlic may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, at least a bit.

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Terry Graedon - February 11, 2018

Does the Laxative Psyllium Really Lower Cholesterol?

Regular consumption of the laxative psyllium can lower cholesterol and blood sugar as well as prevent constipation.

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Terry Graedon - December 7, 2017

How Can You Lower Your LDL Cholesterol with Snacks?

Research shows that eating a small amount of almonds and dark chocolate daily can improve LDL cholesterol, albeit modestly.

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Joe Graedon - November 27, 2017

Doctors Battle Over High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Half the population of the United States has high cholesterol and blood pressure according to the official guidelines. Why is this so controversial?

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Joe Graedon - November 16, 2017

Does Lowering Blood Pressure to 120/80 Save Lives?

Is your blood pressure below 130/80? If not you are now labeled hypertensive. Should you be lowering blood pressure to achieve the goals of the guidelines?

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Terry Graedon - November 13, 2017

How Do Statins Compare to Red Yeast Rice?

Some people find it impossible to take statins due to muscle weakness or pain. But how do statins compare to alternative treatments?

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Terry Graedon - September 21, 2017

How Good Is the Evidence for Whole Grains?

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Joe Graedon - August 31, 2017

Preventing Heart Attacks With a Unique Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Many people think that preventing heart attacks is as simple as lowering cholesterol. What if inflammation is a culprit? How can you reduce inflammation?

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Terry Graedon - August 24, 2017

Are New Cholesterol Drugs Way Too Pricey?

You can now lower your LDL cholesterol to unprecedented levels with new cholesterol drugs. Are Repatha and Praluent worth their hefty price tags?

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Terry Graedon - August 7, 2017

Quitting Sugar Made a Big Impact on Blood Pressure

One reader reports that quitting sugar lowered cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Will a low-carb diet have the same benefits for you?

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Terry Graedon - July 31, 2017

Is Red Yeast Rice Safe with a Statin?

Is red yeast rice safe in combination with a statin? Taking both is not recommended, but some people may prefer red yeast rice instead of a statin.

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Joe Graedon - July 31, 2017

How Can You Tell If You Need a Statin?

If you are a senior citizen the chances are very good that you will be told you need a statin. How solid is the evidence that it will prolong your life?

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Terry Graedon - July 6, 2017

Show 1085: The Statin Standoff and New Drugs for the Heart

Cardiologists don't agree on how well statin cholesterol-lowering drugs work to prevent heart disease. What do you know about the statin standoff?

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Terry Graedon - June 12, 2017

Is Lowering Cholesterol with Saturated Fats a Paradox?

Sugar might be more dangerous than saturated fats in the diet as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. One reader lowered blood lipids with sat fats.

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Terry Graedon - June 5, 2017

Does a Nonagenarian Need to Worry About Cholesterol?

A reader wonders whether it makes sense to worry about cholesterol numbers and prescribe a statin to control them for a 93-year-old person.

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Terry Graedon - April 24, 2017

How to Ease Statin-Induced Muscle Pain

The anti-inflammatory component of turmeric, curcumin, may have the power to alleviate statin-induced muscle pain so people can stay on a statin.

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Joe Graedon - March 30, 2017

Lovaza for High Triglycerides Eased Joint Pain

Taking the prescription omega-3 product Lovaza for high triglycerides resulted in unexpected improvement in joint pain.

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Joe Graedon - March 27, 2017

Does the New Cholesterol Drug Repatha Save Lives?

Is evolocumab (Repatha) a breakthrough for treating high cholesterol? Or is it an expensive drug that won't save any lives?

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Terry Graedon - October 31, 2016

What Are the Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey?

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Terry Graedon - October 13, 2016

How to Lower Your Cholesterol with Oat Fiber

Eating oatmeal, oat bran or barley may help you lower your cholesterol and other blood fats. This is especially good if you have metabolic syndrome.

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Terry Graedon - October 10, 2016

Listen to Dr. DuBroff Discuss the Cholesterol Hypothesis

Dr. Robert DuBroff, cardiologist and lipidologist, tells why he thinks we need to look again at the cholesterol hypothesis and re-evaluate statins.

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Terry Graedon - October 6, 2016

Will Eating Cheese Boost Your Cholesterol?

We have been told that saturated fat is bad for our hearts. That is why cheese has been on the no-no list for decades. Perhaps that advice was premature.

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Joe Graedon - July 11, 2016

What Are the Most Common Statin Side Effects?

Some physicians would like you to believe that statins do not cause side effects. We offer a different perspective on common statin side effects.

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Terry Graedon - July 4, 2016

Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Health?

The question, "Is coconut oil good or bad for you?" has generated a lot of controversy. The latest research suggests the balance may be positive.

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Joe Graedon - June 30, 2016

Is Butter Better? Why Butter is Back with a Bullet!

Butter has been vilified for many years but a new study says butter is not bad for your heart and may actually be beneficial against diabetes. How come?

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Joe Graedon - June 27, 2016

Is Bad LDL Cholesterol Good for Older People?

We've been told that bad LDL cholesterol is our enemy. That's why many doctors prescribe statins. Is there an alternate view of the cholesterol hypothesis?

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Joe Graedon - June 23, 2016

Will A Free Lunch Influence Your Doctor’s Choice of Medicine?

Would a free lunch influence your doctor's decision about which drug to prescribe? Most patients probably assume the answer is no. Data suggest otherwise.

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Joe Graedon - June 20, 2016

Why Should You Order Your Own Blood Tests?

Many doctors think it is a good thing that patients can monitor blood pressure and blood glucose at home. Should you be able to order your own blood tests?

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Terry Graedon - June 20, 2016

How to Fight Niacin Flush with Apple Pectin

Niacin can lower cholesterol and boost beneficial HDL cholesterol, but it causes tingling, itching and flushing. What will fight niacin flush?

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Joe Graedon - June 16, 2016

Will Higher Bad LDL Cholesterol Help Older People Live Longer?

Doctors have been taught that so-called bad LDL cholesterol is a killer. When high, statins are almost always prescribed. New data challenge that idea.

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Joe Graedon - June 6, 2016

Should the “Salt Is Safe” Heretics Be Burned at the Stake?

Salt is safe and saturated fat won't kill you. Such heretical messages contradict decades of public health dogma. What does the latest research have to say?

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Joe Graedon - April 25, 2016

Should You Shun Saturated Fat to Prevent A Heart Attack?

You've been told for decades to avoid saturated fat as it would clog your arteries. What if that recommendation was faulty? Why was contrary data withheld?

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Joe Graedon - April 4, 2016

How Bad is Bad Cholesterol for Your Heart?

Doctors have called bad cholesterol (LDL) the enemy for decades. But a new study confounds the cardiologists. The drug worked great but failed miserably!

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Terry Graedon - March 21, 2016

How to Improve Cholesterol by Skipping Dairy

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Joe Graedon - December 21, 2015

Billion Dollar Drugs Are Dramatically Disappointing

How effective is your medicine? This simple question is surprisingly complex. In many cases benefits of these billion dollar drugs are barely detectable.

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Joe Graedon - October 19, 2015

Another Downside of Statins

Statin-type drugs lower cholesterol, but it is worth learning about the downside of statins. If you suffer side effects, you may want another approach.

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Joe Graedon - October 14, 2015

Red Wine and Exercise Can Elevate HDL Cholesterol

A glass of red wine at dinner, coupled with regular exercise, is a great way to boost HDL cholesterol. This regimen is safe even for those with diabetes.

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Joe Graedon - September 7, 2015

Are You Afraid of Saturated Fat? Studies Say Not to Worry

What will it take for nutrition experts to give up their fear and loathing of saturated fat? Science suggests the sat-fat prohibition was a colossal mistake

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Joe Graedon - August 31, 2015

Oatmeal with Cinnamon Helps Control Cholesterol Without Drugs

A regular breakfast of oatmeal with cinnamon can help control total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon - August 31, 2015

Home Tests for High Cholesterol or High Blood Sugar

Patients curious about how well their cholesterol-control regimens are working could use home tests for high cholesterol to monitor their progress.

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Joe Graedon - July 20, 2015

Almonds to Lower Cholesterol and Blood Sugar

Snacking on almonds to lower cholesterol is a smart idea with experimental evidence to back it up.

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Joe Graedon - June 29, 2015

Who Needs Treatment for High Cholesterol?

Healthy people may not need treatment for high cholesterol; without clear benefit, taking medication does not make sense.

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Joe Graedon - June 22, 2015

Does Dark Chocolate Provide Healthful Cocoa Flavanols?

Some chocolate bars are good sources of cocoa flavanols, but it is difficult to determine which ones provide the highest levels of these compounds.

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Joe Graedon - June 11, 2015

New LDL Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Recommended for Approval

The FDA received recommendations to approve new LDL cholesterol-lowering drugs that are more potent than statins.

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Joe Graedon - June 8, 2015

Does Artificial Sweetener Lower HDL Cholesterol?

An artificial sweetener in a dental rinse appears to have been linked to low levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon - June 4, 2015

Natural Approaches to Lowering Cholesterol Are Popular

Red yeast rice, vinegar, psyllium and other natural products can be valuable aids in lowering cholesterol

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Joe Graedon - April 27, 2015

Lowering Cholesterol with Vinegar

Taking a daily dose of vinegar in water is a unique approach to controlling cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon - April 16, 2015

How Many Teenagers Need to Take Statins?

National recommendations would put a sizable proportion of adolescents on statins to control cholesterol. Is this wise?

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Joe Graedon - March 26, 2015

Coming Off Statins When Time Is Short

It is safe for people with limited life expectancy to discontinue statins and doing so may improve the quality of their remaining life.

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Joe Graedon - February 22, 2015

Don’t Double Up on Statins

Red yeast rice contains natural statins and should not be combined with a prescription statin medicine.

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Joe Graedon - February 12, 2015

How Low Should LDL Cholesterol Go?

Cardiologists do not agree on whether everyone must get LDL cholesterol down to 70 to control the risk of heart disease.

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Joe Graedon - January 19, 2015

Will Magnesium Lower Cholesterol?

Adding a magnesium supplement to the regimen can help lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.

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Joe Graedon - December 29, 2014

Is Coconut Oil Healthful or Hazardous?

Coconut oil has a reputation for raising cholesterol, but it raises good HDL more than scary LDL cholesterol. New data challenge old beliefs on sat fat.

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Joe Graedon - November 20, 2014

Saturated Fat in Diet Didn’t Raise Fat in Blood

Carbs in diet raise blood fat more than saturated fat consumption.

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Joe Graedon - November 17, 2014

Lowering Triglycerides Along with Cholesterol

A low-carbohydrate diet along with fish oil can help bring triglycerides down.

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Terry Graedon - March 17, 2014

Will Concord Grape Juice Ease Joint Pain and Lower Cholesterol?

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Terry Graedon - September 22, 2013

Will Vinegar Help Lower Cholesterol? Home Remedy Questioned

Including vinegar in the diet or taking some in water may help control triglycerides as well as cholesterol and other blood fats.

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Joe Graedon - January 14, 2013

Will Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol?

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Joe Graedon - November 26, 2012

Lowering Cholesterol Without Muscle Pain

One most common drug treatments for high cholesterol (statin drugs) can cause muscle pain and weakness as a side effect, but there are also effective non-drug treatments to lower cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon - September 10, 2012

Are Some Statin Side Effects Irreversible?

Statin drugs do the most good for middle aged men at high risk of heart attacks. But could the side effects outlast or outweigh the benefits?

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Terry Graedon - October 31, 2009

Does Lipitor Lower Libido?

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Joe Graedon - October 14, 2008

Lowering Cholesterol Without Statin Drugs

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Joe Graedon - December 26, 2007

Plant Stanol Esters To Lower Cholesterol

Including Benecol or other foods containing plant stanol esters in the diet can help to lower circulating cholesterol somewhat.

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Joe Graedon - December 23, 2007

Cholestyramine As A Statin Alternative?

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Joe Graedon - December 7, 2007

Non-Statin Solutions For Cholesterol

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Terry Graedon - May 20, 2007

Are Doctors Too Cozy with Drug Companies?

Do free lunches influence doctors? Most physicians would say no way. They think they always do what is best for patients. But free pizza may have an impact.

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Joe Graedon - January 6, 2003

No Need To Fear Eating Eggs

Healthy people can consume up to one egg daily, on average, without increasing their risk of heart disease or stroke.