Niacin, Raynauld's, Erectile, etc...

Ok, I have histroic and familiar high cholesterol, high ldls, high trigs. I went on Lipiotr fro about 6 months and it dropped everything down. Started experiencing Erectile dysfunction (also had a vasectomy six months prior with infection complication). Stopped the lipitor -
ED remained. Have been treating with Viagra, et al. Started recently on Pravachor (for about 3-6 months now) and 81 mg of aspirin. Just recently determined that I have Raynauld's Syndrom (looks like secondary but not sure). Went to doc again and he said to try Niacin as it is a vasodilator (sp?) and would help Rayauld syptoms. He said take it at bed with aspirin (which apparently conteract vasodialations??). I suspect Niacin may also help ED problem since it is a vasodilator. ANy comments, expereince, suggestions? I have had a ultrasound test on my carotid artery - came back as normal. No other symptoms that I can think of. Doctor said he will check ANA (?)
in blood work. What is that and what does it tell you?

you probably have dysfunctional endothelium; you can learn more about it at our website, and it is possible to improve endothelial dysfunction with proper therapy, both nutritional and prescription. Did you know that the endothelium is the largest organ in your body? If you weigh all the endothelium that lines your arteries, it will weigh more than your liver!

specifically, search for "Nitric Oxide and vascular health, The science of this important compound" in our forums.

What type of 'ultrasound test' on your carotid artery did you have? Did the technician measure the carotid intima media thickness to 0.01mm at more than
100 different sites, 4 locations and on both sides with high resolution digital ultrasound (like we do all the time)?

You would also be a candidate for a flow mediated endothelial dilation study; a special functional study of the endothelium.

ED, Raynaud's and atherosclerosis all have a common origin; endothelial dysfunction.