Hi churei and thanks for using the website again
There are usually 4 components to the cholesterol tests. The HDL (good), LDL (bad), triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
Do you know what the 48 and the 104 are? (which component they represent)
This would be most helpful if you do. If not, I can still help you. Just let me know.
Thanks.
Ok, thanks. Wished we knew what components we were exactly talking about, but I will procede anyway.
First, let's look at '48'. This could most likely represent your LDL (bad cholesterol-optimal is less than 100---100-129 is near optimal---130 and up is considered borderline and on up means 'high' or undesireable) or your HDL (good cholesterol). Normal for your LDL is ideally is less than 100. Normal for the HDL is 40-50 but 60 being more looked upon as having some additional protection against heart disease. Let's assume the '104' represents either your total cholesterol (normal/desirable for total cholesterol is less than 200). Actually, the '104' could represent LDL also.
"Is my doctor overreacting to the numbers?"........this would all depend directly on what the numbers represent. The only bad case scenario would be if the 104 reflected your LDL (which would not be really considered 'bad' as 100 is optimal). ---a lot of speculation.
About the Zetia, it works in combination with diet and regular exercise to help lower cholesterol. It works in the digestive tract instead of the liver like most other cholesterol meds (like statin drugs--ie Lipitor). Side effects that are most common are diarrhea, dizziness, and body aches. It is up to you ultimately whether you want to start this medication or not because I don't really see a problem either and the nurse tells you that the numbers are 'within range'...if nothing else, can you return and speak to the Physician as to why he/she wants to put you on this drug specifically? Also, if you could get them to tell you what these numbers represent, that would be great.
In the meantime, did the Dr go ahead and give you a prescription for the Zetia? Before you get it filled, you might want to speak to the dr about the reasons, and re-evaluate the reasons for him wanting you to take this medication. Zetia does not 'clean you out'..it just helps block the amount of cholesterol is absorbed by the body...not necessarily to 'clean you out'. It can cause diarrhea, but if that is the Dr's goal, he could have told you to take a laxative instead...make sense?
If you can call the office back and see if they can give you some answers, I will be around and you can let me know.
Hope this helps!
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Nurse
17 years exp. in all areas of nursing including emergency medicine, hospital, and private practice.