AboutFrank J. Pearl, M.D. Expertise Voluntary Professor of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL. Board certified in cardiovascular disease
Question My lipid test done 10/23/2007 showed total cholesterol 218, Trig 218, HDL 58 and LDL 136. I have been taking red yeast rice for at least 3 years, a total of 1200mg (2 capsules per day), which has kept my #'s where they are now. Before I took red yeast rice, my total cholesterol was about 260. On the advice of my physician, I just took a Coronary artery scan for cholesterol last week. He originally had said if my arteries were clear, there would be no need to take any statins (like red yeast rice or simvastin, etc). My coronary calcium score was Left Main: 0, LAD: 88, RCA: 0, Circ: 0, total 88. The conclusion : Minor atherosclerotic changes, no evidence for occlusive coronary artery disease. My doctor (who I feel is wonderful, but has gone into an MD-VIP which I can't afford and so I will be going to someone else he recommended) now says I should still continue taking the red yeast rice, because of the "minor atherosclerotic changes". It doesn't make sense to me, so I very much would like your opinion. I am 77 and consider myself to be in excellent condition. Thanks very much for considering my question. Joyce
Answer Given that you have early coronary artery disease, your cholesterol is too high. Your LDL should be at least under 100 and possibly under 70. Most likely that will require the addition of a statin. Good luck!!!
Dr. P
