TC over 300 and clean arteries!

Dr. Paul G. Donohue writes a syndicated column that I read in a local

his wife had an electron-beam tomography to detect plaque buildup in coronary arteries. He was amazed that with a TC level of 184 he had significant buildup of plaque while his wife with a TC over 300 was free of plaque buildup. He asked Dr. Donohue how that could be possible. Dr. Donohue replied "there are forces other than cholesterol responsible for clogging arteries." He went on to suggest that had this guy's TC been higher he could have had a heart attack.

Well, here I was feeling secure with a TC of 133 and LDL of just 81 and now I wonder what "other forces" are killing me.

By the way, anyone know about this electron-beam tomography?

Two more factors besides chol, CRP and Hba1c do a better job than TC in prediction CHD. As you know, the TC/ HDL ratio does a better job than TC also. The electron-beam tomography isn't recommended because it may prompt unneccessary procedures. Also, the jury may be still out about how valid it is. I just read in the Framington study a chol below 160 predicts a very low risk of CHD - you should be fine if you don't worry too much!

I had one back in 1995 when it was first being used. Now, clinics where you can have this done are poping up faster than Starbucks. They even do full-body scans.

It does have its limitations, being a static test (as opposed to, say, a stress-echo) and I question their usefulness.

Brad, why should I worry about the risk when I already have it? The bypass in 1998 makes me a statistical CHD person. The only thing I have to do now is keep my narrow grafts clean as long as possible.

Mel, not worried, just being cautious.

Brad, I am eating nuts, oily fish, and olive oil. I have also increased the amount of exercise. I don't have angina. The bypass was done because of 1 severely clogged artery and they did 3 other moderately clogged arteries.

I don't take any medication except for 10 mg of Zocor.

Niaspan does not reverse heart disease. I have heart disease because I had a bypass - but my heart functions normally - according to the test that measures heart function. I don't have any problem walking up hills or otherwise.

Niaspan is not without possible serious side effects. My cardiologist is quite pleased with my lipid profile and not concerned about my HDL being 38. However, I am exercising more and expect the next blood test to reveal a higher HDL.

Great job, Mel. You're beating 99% of your age group. Just think how much lower our health insurance could be if everyone took care of themselves like you. I'm at least a year away from "flat belly" - I'm trying.

Here's a risk calculator from the NIH: http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/atpiii/calculator.asp? usertype=pub My risk came to 2% for CHD in the next ten years. http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov has a lot of good info.

The question is your odds of a coronary event. Mel, if I were in your shoes I'd try to increase my (low) HDL. How? 1) eat up to 40% fat by eating more nuts, oily fish, and olive oil. 2) exercise more (if your doc allows) 3 consider Niaspan and a drink a day. Here's an encouraging site about actually reversing blockages: http://www.niaspan.com/templates/hcp.asp?class=2& page=2
Disclaimer: I mean well but am not a doctor or expert.