Hello Doctor,
I am a 32-year-old male grappling with Hashimoto's disease. Recently, I underwent a series of blood tests to monitor my health. The results indicated a total bilirubin level of 2, with direct bilirubin at 0.2 and indirect at 1.8. Fortunately, my ALT, AST, LDH, and GGT levels are within the normal range. Additionally, an ultrasound examination revealed no abnormalities. However, there's a concerning issue with my cholesterol levels, which measured significantly high at 300, with LDL specifically at 230. I am now pondering over several questions: Should I be alarmed about the state of my liver? Is it advisable to initiate statin therapy to manage my cholesterol levels? Moreover, could there be a potential correlation between my Hashimoto's disease and the elevated cholesterol levels? I stand at a height of 180 cm and currently weigh 75 kg, though I have struggled with being overweight for a considerable period, with my maximum weight peaking at 90 kg.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Firstly, it's reassuring to note that your BMI falls within the normal range, given your height and weight specifications of 180 cm and 75 kg, respectively. As for your elevated cholesterol levels, it's prudent to explore non-pharmacological interventions before considering statin therapy. I recommend adopting a low-fat diet regimen enriched with antioxidants and fiber, alongside maintaining adequate hydration levels. Incorporating moderate physical activities into your daily routine can also yield beneficial outcomes.
Furthermore, I advocate for a proactive approach by scheduling a repeat lipid profile assessment after one month, under fasting conditions. Monitoring these parameters will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications in managing your cholesterol levels. If there's a noticeable improvement following the prescribed lifestyle changes, maintaining the same course of action is advisable. However, should the lipid profile fail to exhibit significant improvement, initiating statin therapy might be warranted to mitigate potential cardiovascular risks associated with elevated cholesterol levels.
Thanks
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