Why is no one talking about inflammation? Cholesterol will pass through smooth vessels, but builds up on the walls of porous , inflamed vessels. I'm a nurse who had a patient on statins for years ...still had bypass, and was placed on the liver transplant list due to "pharmacology induced liver failure" caused by statins.
I was having all the signs of a coming heart attack after having an arrythmia episode for about 2 hours. My cardiologist never said anything to me about inflammation due to the episode. I started taking Niacin and things to reduce inflammation and all my symptoms are gone! So much for the medical community!
@@michaelp5283 I'm an ER nurse for 25 yrs and I'm completely disgusted with the medical establishment. I've watched it go downhill, especially the last 5-10 years. Our family avoids meds, doctors and the hospital...and that's a shame for me to say. I'm truly sorry that the medical community is failing people.
@@ShalomUSA My last interaction with my gp was due to an abnormal ekg I had done through work, so of course it needed a follow up. I got less than 5 minutes of her time!, most of that was her typing in epic. I had other issues I needed to discuss, but had been dismissed.
Who would give someone statins for that many years and never check liver enzymes? Usually this is checked twice a year. Every person on statins should know their doctor will check their blood work for this.
@ShalomUSA • I don't know if you'll see this since your comment was 5 mo ago. Do you know if having a LBBB and EF 25, finally improved to 45, if either or the combination would warrant taking a statin?
Jama had a report in March on statins that concluded that they were very ineffective in reducing heart attack and stroke deaths. This was an excellent video. Thank you.
My cardiologist just restarted me on a statin, based on my lipid profile. I had discontinued it because of myalgias. I've got the myalgias back so I am going to stop it. This is a great explanation. I am a retired general internist, and I was generally skeptical of statins when I was in practice, especially for primary prevention. Our toxic food environment is the elephant in the room.
I agree with you! It is the food "environment". In order to minimize the noxious things in food such as additives, harmful seed oils, preservatives, sugars, etc you'd have to do all your cooking because the pre-cooked America diet is full of it. No wonder there is so many Americans now diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Highly impressed by this and all your videos. We need more Healthcare providers like you to make a difference. People need to take responsibility in learning to care for themselves. Medications can be lifesaving, but healthy lifestyles are vital. Thank you for advocating for the public and for maintaining such strong ethics despite the multiple pressures exerted by our broken healthcare system. God bless your kind heart and values.
Statins made my intestines swell shut it was horrible . In and out of the ER and hospital for 18 months . I quit smoking and eat better . Not been back to cardiologist in over a year . It's been 4 years since my stents. $2000 per visit with tests . I walk 4 to 5 days a week and lift 2 days a week . Everyday is a gift.
FINALLY! A mainstream doctor who hasn’t been cancelled talking about this!! I have been trying to explain this to friends and family for at least a few years now! I agree with most of what you are saying, Dr. Hansen. But, people who do very low carb/keto/high fat carnivore will sometimes get very high LDL but probably don’t need a statin because their triglyceride:HDL ratio will be excellent or even < 1. Thank goodness that my current physician either understood the concepts discussed in this video..or he knew that I wouldn’t take a statin based on TC 232, LDL 152, HDL 80, & Triglycerides 58. My other disagreement with you, is that saturated fat from well-raised ruminants is healthy..not unhealthy as you assert in your saturated fat video. But otherwise, thank you for this video! I will definitely be sharing it!
@@SimonHealthAction thanks for your concern, but I’m not particularly worried. Having said that, I am up for getting a CAC, IF a doctor will prescribe it. But again, not really worried.
Fat regulation is dependent on genetics and thats a bell curve, but a straight line relationship exists for fat , heart disease, hypertension, breast cancer, prostate cancer. It is irrefutable and there is over a century of data to support this. Japanese cancer and heart disease data shows this clearly.
I have slightly high cholesterol. My regular doc and I have agreed I will not use statins. When he was unavailable one day, another doc wrote me a script for statins which I politely refused and explained my position. She became annoyed and proceeded to lecture me. I again politely refused. She continued to the point where she became more than annoyed and I was feeling harassed by her. I maintained my composure and again politely refused. When I eventually escaped and went to reception to pay, she had charged me for a long consult. After a discussion with the manager it was agreed that I wouldn’t pay the higher amount. My question is, what is it that drives a doctor to the point that they become so upset and plain nasty especially when they aren’t my usual doctor. Kickbacks?
This is disturbingly common. There are good doctors, and bad doctors whom are bad for various reasons ranging from not listening to expecting total authority. The former focuses on people’s needs, the latter is so engrossed with books they forget they’re treating a human being. Bad doctors are too convinced they’ve seen the future and know more than they possibly can.
@@richardmalone3172 First place, you went to consult Dr. She was not your enemy, trying to convince you for your welfare..... Right. Then why dont you accept what you'been told to do so. Never be stubborn in life. Be flexible, responsive to good. ...Good luck Man
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 The Role of LDL Cholesterol 03:59 💡 The Two Types of LDL Cholesterol 05:53 💊 The Impact of Statins and Other Drugs 08:13 🍔 Nutrition and Heart Health 11:12 🚫 Avoiding Trans Fats and Inflammation Made with HARPA AI
This is the best explanation I’ve ever heard from someone. Overtime I have learned all of these things. But you have put them in one video. This is a teaching video! I’m saving it to share.
A great video. Very important information in a nutshell. I am familiar with this material from previous medical-oriented low-carb websites I have visited over the past 4 years. I have my pre-diabetes under control with a low-carb diet, unprocessed foods, and intermittent fasting. I wish my doctor would become familiar with the current literature. Recently, I had my bloodwork done and by my own calculations of my TG:HDL ratio and LDL Hazard ratio, my results were excellent. But my doctor ordered me to be on a statin based on a cholesterol level considered high according to the lab guidelines issued by the government. I have refused. She is very concerned but when I asked her questions, she had never heard of large buoyant LDL or small, dense LDL particles. She is a wonderful person and very caring, but our healthcare system is overwhelmed.
One of the best explanations on this complex topic. I wish Dr. Mike talked about the number of particles and using ApoE as an additional biomarker. I would love to get this into the picture. Very nicely done.
I can’t speak for everyone but exercising more and limiting the intake of simple carbs and alcohol has helped me. I’ve tried a bunch of statins but stopped taking them as they affected my balance, caused nausea and gave me horrible leg craps. So, I’m glad to hear they are not as essential as advertised. Thanks!
When I was doing my exit physical from the Navy the doctor gave me a prescription for Zocor saying that when I left the Navy my activity level and diet were definitely going to be much worse after I left. My response was, "Really? We aren't even going to discuss lifestyle changes at all?" When he handed me the prescription I immediately threw it in the trash. Probably one of the smartest things I've ever done.
yep. Worked in cardiology over 20 years and he is absolutely correct. Problem is, every patient believes they know more than him yet can't seem to fix their problem. The idea doesn't occur to them, that if what they are doing isn't working, they should stop doing it.
While that is definitely problem of many customers/patients and not just in medial industry But in a way you can’t blame them because there are so many information and there were a time dr would recommend no fat at all good or bad fat Then we all know many dr who can’t really speak their minds or have pressure to sell depending depending on where you do ur practices Then because of the Under massive funding Dr don’t have the time or patience which can also give out a vibe that make patients don’t want to trust Yes health care isn’t a service industry but it’s human nature to trust frds/ family or Drs that may be nicer even if they r doing it to get more money out of you Then even drs among themselves also have different opinions on same topic It’s just a very complicated issue especially you thrown in Death/money into it
You've very neatly articulated information in a short period of time that has taken me several years to comprehend, in a format that is easily understood by practically anybody. Hopefully your messaging allows more people to see and understand that there is a thriving deconstruction of decades of dogma and shaky science, and perhaps in a generation or two our current dietary guidelines will get the same treatment as leaded gasoline or smoking does today.
@@DoctorMikeHansen If only your whole presentation would be a notch slower! 😔 There is way too much information squeezed into a limited time. Not possible to even register all that properly, let alone link and comprehend on the spot 😮💨 Wondering what is the reason for rushing??? (this goes for all videos, except the covid ones from early on in the pandemic, when the pace was far more appropriate for an average YT viewer. It is of course fine for experts and those with lots and lots of background knowledge, but it's too fast for the masses)
@@DoctorMikeHansen Hello dear Doctor! I'm 31 and 2 weeks ago first time in my life i just wanted to check my cholesterol level & got high number of LDL... My doctor said that i should start taking statin asap otherwise later it'll be bad for my health! Please could you help me to understand what should i do, whats is the right way ? 🤷🏻♂️ P.S before that i had no complaints about my weight and health...
No mention here at all of the importance of healing and supporting the endothelial? The most important aspect of halting and even reversing heart disease. We still have a long way to go when going over the same story of what the lipids are showing us but neglecting the critical importance of repair and replacement of the endothelial for creating Nitric Oxide to increase vassal dilation.
I get way more motivation out of knowing why. Obviously one’s personal doctor doesn’t get to sit down and explain this stuff. Dr. Mike keep on making these videos. I wonder how many people you are helping. Thank you!
I am blown away by the info presented in this video. It is one I will rewatch most assuredly! One question: Kaiser - my healthcare provider, includes a note on lab results that risk of HA using the CHOL/HDL bio marker - avg risk of males to be 5.0, females 4.4. I tried statins for 2 weeks about 10 yrs ago (funny how my Dr didn’t say a word about the potential side effects) but I found out real time quickly - very scary med for me. Your video gives me a bit of hope that I can exercise better control and participate more fully in finding a path forward without a statin! Thank you!
My last bloodwork showed LDL @ 176 and a Total Chol of 259. My primary doctor expressed concern and started talking about putting in a statin. But HDL was @ 68, TG @ 75, and TG:HDL @ 1.1.
Thank you! I have always refused a statin (LDL 129), and now I have ammo for my position (Triglycerides 79)! I remember when statins first came out; they were prescribed for those who were BORN with genetics that resulted in very high LDL levels (~ 300). Think this may have been around 1987 or just a bit later. Initially, they were NOT meant for everybody. I truly remember that rep, because I had suddenly developed Raynaud's - so he gave me the Merck Manual of Rheumatic and Arthritic diseases. That's when I discovered a footnote in the section on Scleroderma, which lead to a clue about an "outbreak" of this collagen or connective tissue disease - that led me to concoct a protocol of Anti-oxident Nutritional Supplements that alleviated all of my symptoms and eventually to a normal ANA titer. Anyhow, that was about the time Merck introduced the first statin - and it was NOT promoted for "out of range" LDL.
Dr. Hansen this is so enlightening. I did speak with my Dr.regarding the statin meds and he said I still need them even though my blood tests came back good. the only thing was my Sugar level was a bit high/7. I will go again and discuss my meds with him because I feel am unnecessarily taking meds that I do not require. Thank you, Dr. I really appreciate this.
I had a heart attack 3 weeks ago. With normal cholesterol and normal blood pressure. I was given 2 stents and, of course, put on BP meds and a statin even though both were normal. After only being on the statin for 4 days I was in so much pain I couldn’t sleep. The BP medication dropped my BP too low. They seem to have a set protocol and even when you don’t “fit the usual profile” you’re still put on those medications anyway
Been LCHF/ IF since 2017 - Lost 60 pounds and kept it off. My meals today: 4 scrambled eggs in butter with spinach sprinkled with flaxseed, then later a fatty 300 gram sirloin with sauerkraut, cherry tomatoes and some almonds and olives for dessert. 55 and my heart pumps like a champ🏆
Been doing that but my LDL skyrocketed to 200. Trigliseride 43, hdl 76. Is it ok tho? Im super active, weight training and cardio 6 tikes a week, im 36 yo. I eat healthy lot of protein, moderate fat,low carbs.
Good to hear - figured a lot of this would be coming out eventually. Been on a low-carb diet since 2014, last labs were clean enough to eat off of (even my LDL-C was at 88; good luck justifying statins) so I'm good. Also my echocardiogram results were good (slight enlargement of the septum, minimal fluid buildup in the pericardium were the only issues) which is a relief, given I have a family history of CVD. Well done, Doctor!
@@kristinpepper2348 we have essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids.....but I guarantee you have never heard of (and will never hear of) "essential carbs", right? Your liver produces all the carb-like structures that you will ever require because the brain needs it, but as far as from external sources - you literally have a zero carb requirement from your diet. Eating no carbs is basically what allowed the human race to get so smart as to invent space ships and germ theory and hot running water and youtube. However, you will get extremely sick extremely quickly and then you will die if you get zero protein or zero fat over time.
Wow. My triglycerides are at 149 and my hdl is at 50. I’m going on a plant based diet. Thanks for this info, Dr. Mike. My own doctor just said, “No medication needed, yet.”
Plant based is not the way. Follow Dr Ken berry, Dr Berg, Dr Ekberg, Dr Schmidt. It's the proceseed trans fats that's killing people. Bad oils , grains like anything with flour . Good luck
@@melissabrock4114 So now they have two polar opposite views coming at them. If you want to understand the science, look for Bart Kay's content. I'd put a plant based diet over the SAD diet, but that's not saying much.
Get rid of sugars and grains. Watch out for processed foods. A low carb diet will keep u on the right track. Also, do some fasting, even if u start at just 12-14 hrs (overnight). Now my 'normal' eating times fall btwn 11am and around 2-3 pm. I switch it up to a later schedule for social events, which usually means weekends, and fast 24 hrs once a week most weeks
Gave you a like doc. There are cultures around the world who consume a lot of fat in their diets. The Eskimo 65% fat in their diet nominal heart disease. Despite the medical industrial complex best efforts US heart disease ranks worst among First world nations. Thanks for being candid about the politics in healthcare! 👍
I've always had low triglyceride levels until one year when l went off my usual low carb diet. Triglycerides literally quadrupled and l gained weight. Great video - it should be required viewing by all docs.
@@alphaomega1351 More like de-programming. Doctors are taught by the drug companies. Taught to prescribe drugs for everything and eschew the body's own ability to heal given appropriate nutrients.
Had a heart attack at 51. All cholesterol #'s were very good at the time except HDL which was 32. My cardiologist has been trying to put me on statins for years, but I always developed severe myalgia with each try. Without meds my LDL has stayed between 70 and 79 for the past 15 years but lately has moved up to 90. My Dr. wants it down, so he has me on Nexlizet which miraculously does not give me myalgia. LDL went to 67 but all my other #'s went out of range on the high side except my LDL which went down to 35. For some reason my Dr. likes my #'s, but I am not so sure. Tired of the cholesterol battle!
@@larryc1616 it’s not, it’s perfect, especially for someone who has already had a heart attack. What you are referring to, has been studied and attributed to reverse causality.
Thank you for this! I do a lot of cast-iron sautee for cooking, or frying onions and garlic before making soup, and am wondering if there IS a healthy oil to use for that. It seems like all the healthy oils turn unhealthy when heated. You mentioned here even olive oil can become unhealthy. Thank you for the important information!
thank you for this. I flat out refused statins because they make me feel so bad. I eat a ton of vegetables, and I do my best to avoid processed foods, but I do fail a little on bread, but keep it low as possible. when I worked ER I met many people coming in who felt awful after starting statins. I know it is skewed as people who didn't have difficulty with the medicine wouldn't come in to ER, but it made me think hard about how often medicines are pushed for reasons other than patient health.
Fish, especially salmon with the skin, sardines with the skin, and mackerel with the skin on can help a lot to get your numbers where they need to be. My Mom was in the danger zone and she went low carb and then started eating those fish on a daily basis and now her numbers are back down to where they needed to be.
Glad you mostly eat unprocessed foods. It's ok to stray here and there...I love bread too haha. Lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, not smoking) is way more helpful than statins.
Thank you for simplifying this information. My husband and I have been trying to sort out this exact topic for a while now. He has had mitral valve replacement and a bypass. He’s now on a statin, but is doing a major overhaul on his diet. We’re beginning to see that metabolic syndrome is the key link to nearly all modern health conditions.
HELP! I was substitute teaching in a school this week and had lunch duty. The situation is MUCH WORSE than it was even in twinky times. The school lunch was ALL processed foods and the food in kids lunch boxes was ALL processed food at ALL the tables I checked. ONE kid had brought spaghetti and meatballs in a thermos alongside his chips and processed peanut butter cracker sandwiches. These kids were ALL 1st and 2nd graders!!!!
Probably important to talk about inflammation of arteries, if arteries are inflamed LDL will still build up regardless of low LDL numbers , focus on inflammation not lowering LDL
Agree entirely. My lastest HDL is 70 and my Trig level measured 47. My LDL was 112. My PCP expressed concern over my LDL number? However, I am not worried a bit. I practice Keto and almost always do intermittent fasting every day!😉
@douglasx How do you determine your trig/Hal level ? I just had labs done & all I see as far as ratios is chol/hdlc & mine is 3 - my trigs are 71, hdl 69, ldl 120 and total is 206 - that’s all the info I got - wish I would’ve watched this video earlier - I just went to my PCP today - would’ve had more questions for him - I wonder how you determine is your ldl’s are A or B
I went on an extremely low fat diet in the early 90's. It destroyed my lipid profile. Triglycerides jumped to 145. Now I've been on a statin for 20 years and no one ever mentioned K2 or Quercetin to protect the heart muscle. 🤬
The best way to protect your heart is stop taking Statins, and go to a high fat diet, using animal fats like butter, beef fat and pork fat. Do not use vegetable oils. Vegetable oils (seed oils) destroy you from the inside out. The US Govt has been lying to all of us about "dangerous" animal fats for a century now. It is the vegetable oils that are the real problem.
When taking statins, you need Coenzyme Q10 first of all and before all others you have mentioned. Please read about how statins deplete Q10 in the body ( it anyway decreases when getting older and have to take it not related to statins ) and how Q10 is the enzyme providing best energy for the body cells but preferentially for the heart muscle cells ! Q10 is the heart's best food in general.
My dad has had an annual physical with a lipid panel for many years. One year his doctor said his cholesterol numbers were too high and he recommended a statin. My dad said "hang on, my numbers are basically the same as they were 10 years ago". The doctor made some noises but my dad left the office without any prescriptions.
It depends on your TC/HDL ratio. Does he have hypertension. What is his fasted triglycerides.. High cholesterol is only a survival advantage in women or men with elevated HDL, Donald Trump is an example of that
@@RA82828 It's easy to see presidents medical records because they have to do a test at beginning of every year. Bill Clinton was your classic hypertension, high cholesterol, high LDL, but low triglyceride.
You might be interested in first few pages of the Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise book. It talks about taking taking pilots who failed their annual physical and getting them back on track!
Great video. I do wish you would have touched on Lp(a) as well. I really think more people need to be aware that this genetic risk factor exists and is NOT part of a normal blood panel. You have to ask for an advanced lipid panel to show LDL particle size and Lp(a) number.
Yes, for cholesterol you want to get a the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) test, which shows particle size and number. Small particle LDL is the one that is dangerous.
Trying to control cholesterol to stop heart attacks is about as sensible as trying to ban umbrellas to stop it raining. If more people are using umbrellas the risk ratio of rain is correspondingly higher. The best correlate with arterial disease is insulin levels because the inciting injury that leads to arterial disease is glycation of the arterial endothelial glycocalyx.
Thanks Dr Mike for being the voice of ethics and caring about human beings. Worked as cardiac nurse and rehab nurse for many years and totally agree. The science must be listened to not the money interests and separated out over time it becomes clearer. Your analysis is spot on in my opinion and much much needed by the public. Your doing such a great public service.
@@DoctorMikeHansen Where do you get the idea that large LDL is neutral from a CVD risk perspective? Every lipid expert I have heard talk about says large LDL particles are dangerous also just not as dangerous as the smaller ones. And from the paper: "Lipoprotein Particle Profiles by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Compared with Standard Lipids and Apolipoproteins in Predicting Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Women" you can clearly see the risk factor for the larger LDL particles is 1.44 and 1.63 for the smaller ones so obviously both are risky and the difference between them isn't that huge. Is it only the egg board theory that larger LDL would be neutral or are there some actual solid data to demonstrate this?
You're obviously correct. Sounds like my doctor. He is threatening me to go on statins, saying I'm living dangerously. But, Now I have a sharper mind along with feeling healthier. I've been taking niacin and my cholesterol is 231 and my triglycerides are 109 and the HDL is 41
Wondering why you did not mention C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels as important makers for heart attack risks? Can you address the importance of these markers for a person as they relate to heart disease and risks thereof?
I had a very good HDL ratio, but my doctor still wanted me to take statins. I said no thanks. He never mentioned taking K 2 with the D he put me on either. Last time I went, he wasn't happy I stopped my blood pressure meds, either. He asked how much D I was taking. I told him 20,000 units. He said 2,000. I said, no 20,000. Every medication they give you will make you worse. They barely tell you to take vitamins. Vitamin D testing became mandatory, but not until after the beginning of the 2000s.
Had TIA 12 month’s after triple bypass. Neurosurgeon said I dodged a bullet. TIA is a temporary stroke. Lasted less 3 minutes but in that time I had temporary paralysis of my right side arm and leg. I lent up against a door frame, I was in a colleague’s office at that time. I didn’t want to scare him. Later it transpired he never knew. 3 minutes later another colleague came by and we went for breakfast. After that I went for a meeting. Then, not feeling well, I drove to the hospital. Where the attending doctor rubbed up and down my neck (potentially dislodging more debris and completing my permanent stroke or death). The paralysis felt like having hollow limbs. They were there but not at all responsive. Lucky, I am. Pay attention here and save your life.
Getting in daily walks and exercise keeps your triglycerides low which is important for overall heart health..I jump rope every other day for 45 - 50 minutes, walk up and down hills in the neighborhood for 90 minutes + daily..Getting great sleep at night and then fasting one day a week makes significant changes for overall better health. Whatever you do, enjoy and be thankful and grateful for quality of life.
Thank you! This is very useful. Are cholesterol levels higher than usual while breastfeeding? I am breastfeeding and my TG went up a lot despite having a similar diet to prepregnancy.
You provided a great public health service. I foolishly bought into the low fat fad and have been consuming too much sugar, bread, rice and pasta which i now understand is the cause of my rising LDL and triglycerides. My diet will change today, thanks to your informative presentation. This is one heart attack that will be avoided thanks to you, Doc. 🙏😊
Thank you! And yes, I once upon a time bought into the low-fat fad myself. It means a lot that my video made that kind of impact in your life, so cheers to you, and all the best to your health!
I wouldn't call you foolish - this whole low fat thing was the prevailing health paradigm from 1978 until....well it is STILL being shouted from the rooftops by most governments! In Australia it says a grown man should have something crazy like 5 or so serves of grains per day, which is 2 slices of bread X 5 ....... 10 slices of bloody bread a DAY. Just plain nuts.
@@mikebrigandi_ You're actually thinking it's still 1980. Research now all says it's carbs that cause LDL and triglycerides to rise. Update your knowledge.
Statins beat the living daylight out of my husband. Pain everywhere! If he dropped something on the floor he would have to assess if it was cheaper to leave it and buy a new one later or bear the pain of bending down to pick it up! (of course I am exaggerating just a bit, but not that much. He stopped taking them and it actually didn't seem to make that much of a difference in his levels (and he is quite serious about seeing his cariologist every six months and testing each year.)
Please Please do a video on LDL (a) and is Niacin ok to take vs a Statin? I'm 62 yo. I had a tiny CVA 3 mo ago, no risk factors. family hx yes but they were not healthy. My LDL (a) was elevated
I remember Dr. Castilini (sp?) of the Framingham study saying over 30 years ago that it was the very small hard dense particles that were the most damaging.
Thank you for showing this video. A very good friend of mine just yesterday told me a story about her husband. He was going to have a knee replacement. He went to get cardiac clearance. The cardiologist noticed his cholesterol was borderline so he started him on Lipitor 80 mg. He had the surgery but his recovery wasn’t As expected. The pain was intense and he needed lots of pain meds. He developed a darkness in that leg that couldn’t be explained. Finally the orthopedic said I don’t understand what is happening but you should not hurt like this. His wife did some research and found that Lipitor can cause muscle and joint pain. He ended up with a rash and blisters. He stopped the med cold turkey and that I told her wasn’t the smartest thing to do. He isn’t doing well. Still having severe stomach cramps and muscle aches. He took that dose for 4 months which according to literature should never have been given for a cholesterol level of borderline. The good cardiologist even told her that the primary Dr. would thank him for addressing an issue he was just watching. How long can these symptoms go on for after the med is stopped? Questions she has been trying to get answers for.
Thank you. That was extremely useful. I've reduced most of my risk factors with diet and exercise but cholesterol is still a risk factor in my blood tests. At the next one I will ask to get the blood test that breaks it down into large and small LDL. I have concern about side effects and am trying to avoid unnecessary medications if I can do it with lifestyle changes instead.
Bad family history (father died at 52 of coronary artery disease / sudden ischemic attack ) and a meh calcium score; I've been a serial exerciser all my life (because I love my outdoor activities), and a mostly healthy eater (whole foods), not a lot of fat to lose, not a ton of stress, not a ton of lifestyle improvement opportunity (some, but not a ton). Dr prescribed atorvastatin; I'm struggling with how best to manage my cardiovascular health.
Last week my triglycerides were 69 and my HDL was 76. My LDL was 129. I'm very happy with my blood work and of course my doctor wants me to take a statin. 🙂 I had metabolic syndrome for almost 20 years before I went keto and low carb.
Great video and great information. After watching this, I think that I am entitled to 3 college credits!!! I had a heart attack on April 8, 2023. One stent put in my right artery that was 100% blocked. Left the hospital on a 40mg statin. After a few months, I requested blood work to look at my cholesterol numbers because I told the doc that I didn't want to take more meds than needed. My cholesterol was not high when I weighed 247 lbs. I now weigh 194, changed my diet and exercise program. The doc said that he was going to reduce the statin to 20mg. When he did, I stopped taking them. Did more blood work 3 months later not taking the statin and my cholesterol and triglycerides are perfect. Triglycerides were 120 when I weighed 247, now they are 71. I have come to the conclusion from great doctors on youtube - that the side effects OUT WEIGH the benefit of any statin med in any dose. This is one of the best videos on this subject I have watched and I have watched dozens of them. Doctor Mike Hansen is in a league all by himself!!!!
Thanks! This is the most complete and accurate explanation of heart disease prediction I've ever seen. It covers all significant aspects of metabolic and blood lipid health and also the important numbers we need to look for when getting blood work testing. It also covered very completely the best options for prevention particularly lifestyle diet and exercise.Thank You so much 👍.
Now I know how my high school students felt when we would read essays with long intros. Took nearly 5 minutes to get to target info that it's type B LDL, a small particle. To be fair, I've been listening to this kind of video for a few days. guess I need to go on a video diet.
Thank you Dr. Hansen. It's a great video! I did have higher blood fat years ago in my body check. Then I changed my diet in vegetarian for a month to back to normal level, now I eat less fat and more vegetables instead.😂
I have been vegan for 18 years and have no problem with my health at 71, you won't hear this anywhere because there's no money to be made by only being a vegan. 🤣
@@Everettel - do you eat grains as a vegan? Grains are not healthy due to the gluten & high carbohydrate load in them. However, vegetables & green leafy plants, seem to be the way to go.
My total cholesterol is always over the "magical" 200. (216 was my last). My GP, though I love her, is ALWAYS trying to push a statin on me, even though my triglycerides are always well below 150 and my HDL is always in the 60-80 range. This information is so helpful and didn't know the triglyceride/small LDL relationship until watching your video.
You're at risk for CVD. Don't buy into this bs. The only diet ever proven to prevent and reverse heart disease is a low fat, wholefood plant based diet.
@justrusty - I just had bloodwork done & the only ratio I see on it is chol/hdlc and mine is 3 - is this what you’re referring to or is there another one that I just didn’t get - my LDL is 120 - wondering how I find out if they are A or B
@@Melody-285 The chol/hdl ratio is not the same one as I am talking about - that one is total cholesterol/hdl. Trigs/HDL is more meaningful. Usually you have to calculate it yourself from the other values in the report.
@@justrusty Thanks so much for replying - if it’s not too much trouble, can you tell me how to calculate it ? I just had labs done & was at the dr. today - I wish I’d known about all this yesterday - lol - I have all the numbers if it’s not too difficult for you to tell me how to do it - I’ve heard of advanced lipid panels - I wonder if that’s what you would need to find out if your LDL is A or B - I tell you, I have learned so much from TH-cam - info I actually feel I can trust - I’ve had to care for several family members & I’ve learned you have to be knowledgeable & proactive about your health - and I’m in Florida, so everyone’s old & the doctors are really busy - lol - the PA at one of my doctors asked me if I was a nurse - ha ! No, I just watch a lot of TH-cam 😂
@@Melody-285 It's pretty straightforward calculation if your lipid panel has triglycerides reported. Just divide Triglycerides by HDL. A good ratio is 2.0 or less. The Pattern A vs. Pattern B test is called an LDL fractionation test, though it goes by other names also.
You did a great job probably 80% and got things wrong in the final advice. 25g should be total carbs intake not just added sugars. But still this is my favorite one from you.
I'm a veggie but recently my blood has high cholesterol. Had my blood work done 3 months later, M.D. said my cholesterol dropped as I made adjustments. Yet my MD recommends sta tins.Naturally I refuse MDs recommendation and she knew I would refuse!
Excellent video... Mike. However you didn't mention the effects of LDL cholesterol on the kidneys. Could you make a video on that? My friend said his kidney disease was caused by LDL cholesterol.
Imagine if instead of the hundreds of billions of dollars we spent on statins and cholesterol testing we instead directed that educating patients about healthy diets and lower blood sugar. I recently had a heart attack and my cardiologist said the only thing that will prevent a future heart attack is taking statins. She didn't mention a thing about my pre diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight, waist size, or high blood pressure. I immediately fired her.
Yes the doc told me that, but i stopped taking stains and stopped eating carbs. Boom; lost 45 lbs, not longer get heart pain, stopped two other medications. And my A1c went from 44 to 37 in a year. (41 is the recommended max).
This weird misguided obsession with cholesterol in the medical profession needs to stop.
Lack of love and respect huge factor
Why is no one talking about inflammation? Cholesterol will pass through smooth vessels, but builds up on the walls of porous , inflamed vessels.
I'm a nurse who had a patient on statins for years ...still had bypass, and was placed on the liver transplant list due to "pharmacology induced liver failure" caused by statins.
I was having all the signs of a coming heart attack after having an arrythmia episode for about 2 hours. My cardiologist never said anything to me about inflammation due to the episode. I started taking Niacin and things to reduce inflammation and all my symptoms are gone! So much for the medical community!
@@michaelp5283 I'm an ER nurse for 25 yrs and I'm completely disgusted with the medical establishment. I've watched it go downhill, especially the last 5-10 years. Our family avoids meds, doctors and the hospital...and that's a shame for me to say. I'm truly sorry that the medical community is failing people.
@@ShalomUSA My last interaction with my gp was due to an abnormal ekg I had done through work, so of course it needed a follow up. I got less than 5 minutes of her time!, most of that was her typing in epic. I had other issues I needed to discuss, but had been dismissed.
Who would give someone statins for that many years and never check liver enzymes? Usually this is checked twice a year. Every person on statins should know their doctor will check their blood work for this.
@ShalomUSA • I don't know if you'll see this since your comment was 5 mo ago. Do you know if having a LBBB and EF 25, finally improved to 45, if either or the combination would warrant taking a statin?
Jama had a report in March on statins that concluded that they were very ineffective in reducing heart attack and stroke deaths.
This was an excellent video. Thank you.
What is that article?
My cardiologist just restarted me on a statin, based on my lipid profile. I had discontinued it because of myalgias. I've got the myalgias back so I am going to stop it. This is a great explanation. I am a retired general internist, and I was generally skeptical of statins when I was in practice, especially for primary prevention. Our toxic food environment is the elephant in the room.
There's no "food environment"; it's food choice
Do yourself a favour dear, buy the book " The great cholesterol con " by dr.Malcolm Kendrick and thank me later :)
Statins also stabilize plaques in your arteries, they're not just to lower cholesterol levels. "Vulnerable plaque" is a good search term.
I agree with you! It is the food "environment". In order to minimize the noxious things in food such as additives, harmful seed oils, preservatives, sugars, etc you'd have to do all your cooking because the pre-cooked America diet is full of it. No wonder there is so many Americans now diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The Cholesterol Con mentioned above is another great book.
This is by far the best and most accurate summary I’ve ever seen. Extremely well done! 👏
Highly impressed by this and all your videos. We need more Healthcare providers like you to make a difference. People need to take responsibility in learning to care for themselves. Medications can be lifesaving, but healthy lifestyles are vital. Thank you for advocating for the public and for maintaining such strong ethics despite the multiple pressures exerted by our broken healthcare system. God bless your kind heart and values.
Statins made my intestines swell shut it was horrible . In and out of the ER and hospital for 18 months . I quit smoking and eat better . Not been back to cardiologist in over a year . It's been 4 years since my stents. $2000 per visit with tests . I walk 4 to 5 days a week and lift 2 days a week . Everyday is a gift.
FINALLY! A mainstream doctor who hasn’t been cancelled talking about this!! I have been trying to explain this to friends and family for at least a few years now! I agree with most of what you are saying, Dr. Hansen. But, people who do very low carb/keto/high fat carnivore will sometimes get very high LDL but probably don’t need a statin because their triglyceride:HDL ratio will be excellent or even < 1. Thank goodness that my current physician either understood the concepts discussed in this video..or he knew that I wouldn’t take a statin based on TC 232, LDL 152, HDL 80, & Triglycerides 58. My other disagreement with you, is that saturated fat from well-raised ruminants is healthy..not unhealthy as you assert in your saturated fat video. But otherwise, thank you for this video! I will definitely be sharing it!
Thank you Laurel
Thank you for this personal info Laurel!
Don't guess. Don't presume. Take a coronary artery calcium (CAC) test. All LDL particles
@@SimonHealthAction thanks for your concern, but I’m not particularly worried. Having said that, I am up for getting a CAC, IF a doctor will prescribe it. But again, not really worried.
Fat regulation is dependent on genetics and thats a bell curve, but a straight line relationship exists for fat , heart disease, hypertension, breast cancer, prostate cancer. It is irrefutable and there is over a century of data to support this. Japanese cancer and heart disease data shows this clearly.
Waatching Doom and Gloom videos causing Stress leads to Anxiety too!
Reading your ridiculous comment causes anxiety and stress.
@@OttoNommik oh no!
I am almost 80. I don’t care what my readings are, it will not make that much difference. I want to enjoy the remaining years.
God bless you! Put your Faith in Him, for He will call when He is ready.
@@michaelhickey131amen
👍
Enjoy your days and take your MEDS: meat, eggs, dAiry and seafood!
@@karend.9218 I love my meat n potatoes with lots of salt n butter. I ain’t going to give it up. Enjoy life.
I have slightly high cholesterol. My regular doc and I have agreed I will not use statins. When he was unavailable one day, another doc wrote me a script for statins which I politely refused and explained my position. She became annoyed and proceeded to lecture me. I again politely refused. She continued to the point where she became more than annoyed and I was feeling harassed by her. I maintained my composure and again politely refused. When I eventually escaped and went to reception to pay, she had charged me for a long consult. After a discussion with the manager it was agreed that I wouldn’t pay the higher amount. My question is, what is it that drives a doctor to the point that they become so upset and plain nasty especially when they aren’t my usual doctor. Kickbacks?
Brain washing?
God complex.
This is disturbingly common. There are good doctors, and bad doctors whom are bad for various reasons ranging from not listening to expecting total authority. The former focuses on people’s needs, the latter is so engrossed with books they forget they’re treating a human being. Bad doctors are too convinced they’ve seen the future and know more than they possibly can.
AKA Dr God complex. Most suffer from it.
@@richardmalone3172 First place, you went to consult Dr. She was not your enemy, trying to convince you for your welfare..... Right.
Then why dont you accept what you'been told to do so.
Never be stubborn in life. Be flexible, responsive to good. ...Good luck Man
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 📚 The Role of LDL Cholesterol
03:59 💡 The Two Types of LDL Cholesterol
05:53 💊 The Impact of Statins and Other Drugs
08:13 🍔 Nutrition and Heart Health
11:12 🚫 Avoiding Trans Fats and Inflammation
Made with HARPA AI
This talk is very comprehensive and sums up the entire Lipid controversy.
This is the best explanation I’ve ever heard from someone. Overtime I have learned all of these things. But you have put them in one video. This is a teaching video! I’m saving it to share.
A great video. Very important information in a nutshell. I am familiar with this material from previous medical-oriented low-carb websites I have visited over the past 4 years. I have my pre-diabetes under control with a low-carb diet, unprocessed foods, and intermittent fasting. I wish my doctor would become familiar with the current literature. Recently, I had my bloodwork done and by my own calculations of my TG:HDL ratio and LDL Hazard ratio, my results were excellent. But my doctor ordered me to be on a statin based on a cholesterol level considered high according to the lab guidelines issued by the government. I have refused. She is very concerned but when I asked her questions, she had never heard of large buoyant LDL or small, dense LDL particles. She is a wonderful person and very caring, but our healthcare system is overwhelmed.
Thank you for your work. I learn more from y'all than I do from my cardiologist.
Glad to help
One of the best explanations on this complex topic. I wish Dr. Mike talked about the number of particles and using ApoE as an additional biomarker. I would love to get this into the picture. Very nicely done.
I can’t speak for everyone but exercising more and limiting the intake of simple carbs and alcohol has helped me. I’ve tried a bunch of statins but stopped taking them as they affected my balance, caused nausea and gave me horrible leg craps. So, I’m glad to hear they are not as essential as advertised. Thanks!
I'm here for his art work.
LOL LOL - love that comment ! Thanks for my chuckle of the day 😂
😁👍
😂
When I was doing my exit physical from the Navy the doctor gave me a prescription for Zocor saying that when I left the Navy my activity level and diet were definitely going to be much worse after I left. My response was, "Really? We aren't even going to discuss lifestyle changes at all?" When he handed me the prescription I immediately threw it in the trash. Probably one of the smartest things I've ever done.
I’m proud of you! Many people are offended if, you suggest a healthy life style.
What about if you have plaque already?
yep. Worked in cardiology over 20 years and he is absolutely correct. Problem is, every patient believes they know more than him yet can't seem to fix their problem. The idea doesn't occur to them, that if what they are doing isn't working, they should stop doing it.
What subspecialty did you work over 20 years?
While that is definitely problem of many customers/patients and not just in medial industry
But in a way you can’t blame them because there are so many information and there were a time dr would recommend no fat at all good or bad fat
Then we all know many dr who can’t really speak their minds or have pressure to sell depending depending on where you do ur practices
Then because of the Under massive funding
Dr don’t have the time or patience which can also give out a vibe that make patients don’t want to trust
Yes health care isn’t a service industry but it’s human nature to trust frds/ family or Drs that may be nicer even if they r doing it to get more money out of you
Then even drs among themselves also have different opinions on same topic
It’s just a very complicated issue especially you thrown in
Death/money into it
@@dandansfu Money changes everything
@@Alex-Defatte yes and not saying DR care about money
But hospital
Executives
Government
Insurance and pharmaceutical companies do
@@dandansfu Sadly agreed.
You've very neatly articulated information in a short period of time that has taken me several years to comprehend, in a format that is easily understood by practically anybody. Hopefully your messaging allows more people to see and understand that there is a thriving deconstruction of decades of dogma and shaky science, and perhaps in a generation or two our current dietary guidelines will get the same treatment as leaded gasoline or smoking does today.
thank you so much! that's always the goal, and I'm glad you found it useful.
@@DoctorMikeHansen If only your whole presentation would be a notch slower! 😔
There is way too much information squeezed into a limited time. Not possible to even register all that properly, let alone link and comprehend on the spot 😮💨
Wondering what is the reason for rushing???
(this goes for all videos, except the covid ones from early on in the pandemic, when the pace was far more appropriate for an average YT viewer. It is of course fine for experts and those with lots and lots of background knowledge, but it's too fast for the masses)
@@DoctorMikeHansen Hello dear Doctor! I'm 31 and 2 weeks ago first time in my life i just wanted to check my cholesterol level & got high number of LDL... My doctor said that i should start taking statin asap otherwise later it'll be bad for my health! Please could you help me to understand what should i do, whats is the right way ? 🤷🏻♂️
P.S before that i had no complaints about my weight and health...
young,sharp n honest, is veery powerful imo
No mention here at all of the importance of healing and supporting the endothelial? The most important aspect of halting and even reversing heart disease. We still have a long way to go when going over the same story of what the lipids are showing us but neglecting the critical importance of repair and replacement of the endothelial for creating Nitric Oxide to increase vassal dilation.
I get way more motivation out of knowing why. Obviously one’s personal doctor doesn’t get to sit down and explain this stuff. Dr. Mike keep on making these videos. I wonder how many people you are helping. Thank you!
Thank you. Very Informative
Ordinary Dr make money 💰 only motive
Thanks Jenny! It's always rewarding when people can understand the why of things. Comments like yours always motivate me to keep this going!
kina/wax viruz
@@DoctorMikeHansen Who is your favorite cardiologist? I am looking for a good one.
I am blown away by the info presented in this video. It is one I will rewatch most assuredly! One question: Kaiser - my healthcare provider, includes a note on lab results that risk of HA using the CHOL/HDL bio marker - avg risk of males to be 5.0, females 4.4.
I tried statins for 2 weeks about 10 yrs ago (funny how my Dr didn’t say a word about the potential side effects) but I found out real time quickly - very scary med for me. Your video gives me a bit of hope that I can exercise better control and participate more fully in finding a path forward without a statin! Thank you!
Thank you Drew!
My last bloodwork showed LDL @ 176 and a Total Chol of 259. My primary doctor expressed concern and started talking about putting in a statin. But HDL was @ 68, TG @ 75, and TG:HDL @ 1.1.
Thank you! I have always refused a statin (LDL 129), and now I have ammo for my position (Triglycerides 79)! I remember when statins first came out; they were prescribed for those who were BORN with genetics that resulted in very high LDL levels (~ 300). Think this may have been around 1987 or just a bit later. Initially, they were NOT meant for everybody. I truly remember that rep, because I had suddenly developed Raynaud's - so he gave me the Merck Manual of Rheumatic and Arthritic diseases. That's when I discovered a footnote in the section on Scleroderma, which lead to a clue about an "outbreak" of this collagen or connective tissue disease - that led me to concoct a protocol of Anti-oxident Nutritional Supplements that alleviated all of my symptoms and eventually to a normal ANA titer. Anyhow, that was about the time Merck introduced the first statin - and it was NOT promoted for "out of range" LDL.
Dr. Hansen this is so enlightening. I did speak with my Dr.regarding the statin meds and he said I still need them even though my blood tests came back good. the only thing was my Sugar level was a bit high/7. I will go again and discuss my meds with him because I feel am unnecessarily taking meds that I do not require. Thank you, Dr. I really appreciate this.
They're determined to keep you on drugs.
It breaks my heart when I see that the first thing we have to check as a nurse when discharging the stroke patients is statin .
What do you mean? Please explain.
As always, thank you for the excellent information and presentation.
👌 Fantastic video. Thank you so much for explaining things so clearly. This has been really helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I had a heart attack 3 weeks ago. With normal cholesterol and normal blood pressure. I was given 2 stents and, of course, put on BP meds and a statin even though both were normal. After only being on the statin for 4 days I was in so much pain I couldn’t sleep. The BP medication dropped my BP too low. They seem to have a set protocol and even when you don’t “fit the usual profile” you’re still put on those medications anyway
Been LCHF/ IF since 2017 - Lost 60 pounds and kept it off. My meals today: 4 scrambled eggs in butter with spinach sprinkled with flaxseed, then later a fatty 300 gram sirloin with sauerkraut, cherry tomatoes and some almonds and olives for dessert. 55 and my heart pumps like a champ🏆
I use flax seed and chia seed.
For optimal absorption, I grind the seeds in a coffee bean grinder
You lost a half of a person 60lbs
Of course things will be better. Everyone knows that jeez
Let me know when you get bored
@@luvlabso130The point was that what he is eating helped him lose the weight. Keto diet as opposed to high carb diet.
Been doing that but my LDL skyrocketed to 200. Trigliseride 43, hdl 76. Is it ok tho? Im super active, weight training and cardio 6 tikes a week, im 36 yo. I eat healthy lot of protein, moderate fat,low carbs.
Good to hear - figured a lot of this would be coming out eventually. Been on a low-carb diet since 2014, last labs were clean enough to eat off of (even my LDL-C was at 88; good luck justifying statins) so I'm good. Also my echocardiogram results were good (slight enlargement of the septum, minimal fluid buildup in the pericardium were the only issues) which is a relief, given I have a family history of CVD.
Well done, Doctor!
thank you, and glad to hear!
its not the carbs, carbs are important for you
@@kristinpepper2348 so what is it?
@@kristinpepper2348 no they are not
@@kristinpepper2348 we have essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids.....but I guarantee you have never heard of (and will never hear of) "essential carbs", right?
Your liver produces all the carb-like structures that you will ever require because the brain needs it, but as far as from external sources - you literally have a zero carb requirement from your diet.
Eating no carbs is basically what allowed the human race to get so smart as to invent space ships and germ theory and hot running water and youtube.
However, you will get extremely sick extremely quickly and then you will die if you get zero protein or zero fat over time.
Wow. My triglycerides are at 149 and my hdl is at 50. I’m going on a plant based diet. Thanks for this info, Dr. Mike. My own doctor just said, “No medication needed, yet.”
That would be a mistake. but go for it.
Plant based is not the way. Follow Dr Ken berry, Dr Berg, Dr Ekberg, Dr Schmidt.
It's the proceseed trans fats that's killing people. Bad oils , grains like anything with flour . Good luck
@@chestrockwell8328 Agreed
Don't listen to them, plant based diets are much more associated with longevity- when executed correctly.
@@melissabrock4114 So now they have two polar opposite views coming at them. If you want to understand the science, look for Bart Kay's content. I'd put a plant based diet over the SAD diet, but that's not saying much.
Get rid of sugars and grains. Watch out for processed foods. A low carb diet will keep u on the right track. Also, do some fasting, even if u start at just 12-14 hrs (overnight). Now my 'normal' eating times fall btwn 11am and around 2-3 pm. I switch it up to a later schedule for social events, which usually means weekends, and fast 24 hrs once a week most weeks
B.
I've had great success with this
Don't forget magnesium and reduce stress.
Gave you a like doc. There are cultures around the world who consume a lot of fat in their diets. The Eskimo 65% fat in their diet nominal heart disease. Despite the medical industrial complex best efforts US heart disease ranks worst among First world nations. Thanks for being candid about the politics in healthcare! 👍
I've always had low triglyceride levels until one year when l went off my usual low carb diet. Triglycerides literally quadrupled and l gained weight.
Great video - it should be required viewing by all docs.
I wish every Dr in the world would be forced to watch this 100 times.
It may take 1,000 times. And some torture.
That's doctor abuse!!! 😶
@@alphaomega1351 More like de-programming. Doctors are taught by the drug companies. Taught to prescribe drugs for everything and eschew the body's own ability to heal given appropriate nutrients.
I wish doctors would believe their own eyes and ears!
Why do you trust this doctor over the majority of doctors and researchers? I think it's an interesting video, but just curious.
Considering that you are a member of the medical profession, what a rebellious video! :-) Very thought provoking. Thank you.
Had a heart attack at 51. All cholesterol #'s were very good at the time except HDL which was 32. My cardiologist has been trying to put me on statins for years, but I always developed severe myalgia with each try. Without meds my LDL has stayed between 70 and 79 for the past 15 years but lately has moved up to 90. My Dr. wants it down, so he has me on Nexlizet which miraculously does not give me myalgia. LDL went to 67 but all my other #'s went out of range on the high side except my LDL which went down to 35. For some reason my Dr. likes my #'s, but I am not so sure. Tired of the cholesterol battle!
35 LDL level is too low! Cholesterol level is U shaped with 160 being optimal. Too high > 200 or too low 100< increases mortality
@@larryc1616 total cholesterol has been in the 140 range for years. My HDL was in the low 50s for years, but has dropped sharply the past year?
@@larryc1616 it’s not, it’s perfect, especially for someone who has already had a heart attack. What you are referring to, has been studied and attributed to reverse causality.
@@brentkuehne435 May I ask what is your HDL and your TG level now? It's the ratio between TG's and HDL that truly matters the most!😉
Yup,that happens way more often than Doctors are willing to admit.I've read when your numbers go below 71,that in itself can kill you.
Agree had heart transplant 18 years ago doctors pushing statin on me to this day they keep telling me think about it…I said no 😊
Thank you for this!
I do a lot of cast-iron sautee for cooking, or frying onions and garlic before making soup, and am wondering if there IS a healthy oil to use for that. It seems like all the healthy oils turn unhealthy when heated. You mentioned here even olive oil can become unhealthy. Thank you for the important information!
thank you for this. I flat out refused statins because they make me feel so bad. I eat a ton of vegetables, and I do my best to avoid processed foods, but I do fail a little on bread, but keep it low as possible. when I worked ER I met many people coming in who felt awful after starting statins. I know it is skewed as people who didn't have difficulty with the medicine wouldn't come in to ER, but it made me think hard about how often medicines are pushed for reasons other than patient health.
Fish, especially salmon with the skin, sardines with the skin, and mackerel with the skin on can help a lot to get your numbers where they need to be. My Mom was in the danger zone and she went low carb and then started eating those fish on a daily basis and now her numbers are back down to where they needed to be.
Glad you mostly eat unprocessed foods. It's ok to stray here and there...I love bread too haha. Lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, not smoking) is way more helpful than statins.
Freeze your bread overnight and thaw it out. It will become much healthier. Toasting helps too. Resistant starch.
I just guzzle soda, eat well and workout.
@@richardf911 Can you explain this further? I'm very curious!
Thank you for simplifying this information. My husband and I have been trying to sort out this exact topic for a while now. He has had mitral valve replacement and a bypass. He’s now on a statin, but is doing a major overhaul on his diet. We’re beginning to see that metabolic syndrome is the key link to nearly all modern health conditions.
HELP! I was substitute teaching in a school this week and had lunch duty. The situation is MUCH WORSE than it was even in twinky times. The school lunch was ALL processed foods and the food in kids lunch boxes was ALL processed food at ALL the tables I checked. ONE kid had brought spaghetti and meatballs in a thermos alongside his chips and processed peanut butter cracker sandwiches. These kids were ALL 1st and 2nd graders!!!!
Tell those kid's parents to *PACK THEIR KIDS OWN LUNCHES!!*
Do *NOT* rely on the school system to keep children healthy!
Come on.................
I school I subbed at actually had a Mac Donald's as their caterer .
@@josephshields2922 - Go Burger King!
Imma gonna slappa you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@JamminClemmons This included kids packed lunches. ALL processed food in their lunchboxes.
That’s poison 😮
Probably important to talk about inflammation of arteries, if arteries are inflamed LDL will still build up regardless of low LDL numbers , focus on inflammation not lowering LDL
My LDLC is 123 and my doctor did not even mention statin medication - seems a problem of the US - I am in Germany
The leading risk factor for CVD is high fasting insulin and poor blood glucose control. The Trig/HDL ratio is very powerful.
Thanks Douglas
Agree entirely. My lastest HDL is 70 and my Trig level measured 47. My LDL was 112. My PCP expressed concern over my LDL number? However, I am not worried a bit. I practice Keto and almost always do intermittent fasting every day!😉
@douglasx How do you determine your trig/Hal level ? I just had labs done & all I see as far as ratios is chol/hdlc & mine is 3 - my trigs are 71, hdl 69, ldl 120 and total is 206 - that’s all the info I got - wish I would’ve watched this video earlier - I just went to my PCP today - would’ve had more questions for him - I wonder how you determine is your ldl’s are A or B
I went on an extremely low fat diet in the early 90's. It destroyed my lipid profile. Triglycerides jumped to 145. Now I've been on a statin for 20 years and no one ever mentioned K2 or Quercetin to protect the heart muscle. 🤬
The best way to protect your heart is stop taking Statins, and go to a high fat diet, using animal fats like butter, beef fat and pork fat. Do not use vegetable oils. Vegetable oils (seed oils) destroy you from the inside out. The US Govt has been lying to all of us about "dangerous" animal fats for a century now. It is the vegetable oils that are the real problem.
When taking statins, you need Coenzyme Q10 first of all and before all others you have mentioned. Please read about how statins deplete Q10 in the body ( it anyway decreases when getting older and have to take it not related to statins ) and how Q10 is the enzyme providing best energy for the body cells but preferentially for the heart muscle cells ! Q10 is the heart's best food in general.
That's because sugar is the culprit. Triglycerides are formed as a byproduct of the liver processing sugar.
Early 90’s low fat high carb was healthy. Things have changed.
My dad has had an annual physical with a lipid panel for many years. One year his doctor said his cholesterol numbers were too high and he recommended a statin. My dad said "hang on, my numbers are basically the same as they were 10 years ago". The doctor made some noises but my dad left the office without any prescriptions.
It depends on your TC/HDL ratio. Does he have hypertension. What is his fasted triglycerides.. High cholesterol is only a survival advantage in women or men with elevated HDL, Donald Trump is an example of that
@@RA82828 It's easy to see presidents medical records because they have to do a test at beginning of every year. Bill Clinton was your classic hypertension, high cholesterol, high LDL, but low triglyceride.
You might be interested in first few pages of the Pritikin Program for Diet and Exercise book. It talks about taking taking pilots who failed their annual physical and getting them back on track!
Excellent information to be able to talk to your physician….Thank you!!!
You neglected the most important bio marker test apoB and ldl- p which measures the number of particles… this is the best test to assess CVD risk.
Great video. I do wish you would have touched on Lp(a) as well. I really think more people need to be aware that this genetic risk factor exists and is NOT part of a normal blood panel. You have to ask for an advanced lipid panel to show LDL particle size and Lp(a) number.
Yes, all the cutting edge cardiology is measuring these… unfortunately I have high Lp(a)
Yes, for cholesterol you want to get a the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) test, which shows particle size and number. Small particle LDL is the one that is dangerous.
@@michaelhimes8778 my LPa is also very high. Thinking to start niacin and baby aspirin
thanks for sharing Darlene. I thought about it going over Lp(a) but figured maybe for another video.
Yes I agree- I had a tiny CVA no risk factors + LDL(a) was elevated. I need more education about this-
Oh, c'mon. We know what the greatest cause of heart attack is now.
The best test for insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome (and a good proxy of your lipid profile) is fasting insulin.
I like your drawings. They're very entertaining and easy to follow and genuine.
Trying to control cholesterol to stop heart attacks is about as sensible as trying to ban umbrellas to stop it raining. If more people are using umbrellas the risk ratio of rain is correspondingly higher.
The best correlate with arterial disease is insulin levels because the inciting injury that leads to arterial disease is glycation of the arterial endothelial glycocalyx.
Could it have anything to do with a needle with experimental juice?
Absolutely 💯
Thanks Dr Mike for being the voice of ethics and caring about human beings. Worked as cardiac nurse and rehab nurse for many years and totally agree. The science must be listened to not the money interests and separated out over time it becomes clearer. Your analysis is spot on in my opinion and much much needed by the public. Your doing such a great public service.
thank you L. Ann - it's really nice to hear that, especially because there are a lot of misunderstandings about heart health.
kina/wax viruz
@@DoctorMikeHansen Where do you get the idea that large LDL is neutral from a CVD risk perspective? Every lipid expert I have heard talk about says large LDL particles are dangerous also just not as dangerous as the smaller ones. And from the paper: "Lipoprotein Particle Profiles by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Compared with Standard Lipids and Apolipoproteins in Predicting Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Women" you can clearly see the risk factor for the larger LDL particles is 1.44 and 1.63 for the smaller ones so obviously both are risky and the difference between them isn't that huge. Is it only the egg board theory that larger LDL would be neutral or are there some actual solid data to demonstrate this?
@@cyberfunk3793 ….hmmm…still no response from the doctor to this.
@@cyberfunk3793 You aren't employed by Pfizer are you?
Did he mention the Covid vaccine,? That needs to be brought into the conversation now.
You're obviously correct. Sounds like my doctor. He is threatening me to go on statins, saying I'm living dangerously. But, Now I have a sharper mind along with feeling healthier. I've been taking niacin and my cholesterol is 231 and my triglycerides are 109 and the HDL is 41
I experienced short term memory loss on statin !
COVID vaccine
?
Wondering why you did not mention C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels as important makers for heart attack risks? Can you address the importance of these markers for a person as they relate to heart disease and risks thereof?
I had a very good HDL ratio, but my doctor still wanted me to take statins. I said no thanks. He never mentioned taking K 2 with the D he put me on either. Last time I went, he wasn't happy I stopped my blood pressure meds, either. He asked how much D I was taking. I told him 20,000 units. He said 2,000. I said, no 20,000. Every medication they give you will make you worse. They barely tell you to take vitamins. Vitamin D testing became mandatory, but not until after the beginning of the 2000s.
Had TIA 12 month’s after triple bypass. Neurosurgeon said I dodged a bullet. TIA is a temporary stroke. Lasted less 3 minutes but in that time I had temporary paralysis of my right side arm and leg. I lent up against a door frame, I was in a colleague’s office at that time. I didn’t want to scare him. Later it transpired he never knew. 3 minutes later another colleague came by and we went for breakfast. After that I went for a meeting. Then, not feeling well, I drove to the hospital. Where the attending doctor rubbed up and down my neck (potentially dislodging more debris and completing my permanent stroke or death). The paralysis felt like having hollow limbs. They were there but not at all responsive. Lucky, I am. Pay attention here and save your life.
Getting in daily walks and exercise keeps your triglycerides low which is important for overall heart health..I jump rope every other day for 45 - 50 minutes, walk up and down hills in the neighborhood for 90 minutes + daily..Getting great sleep at night and then fasting one day a week makes significant changes for overall better health. Whatever you do, enjoy and be thankful and grateful for quality of life.
Thank you! This is very useful. Are cholesterol levels higher than usual while breastfeeding? I am breastfeeding and my TG went up a lot despite having a similar diet to prepregnancy.
You provided a great public health service. I foolishly bought into the low fat fad and have been consuming too much sugar, bread, rice and pasta which i now understand is the cause of my rising LDL and triglycerides. My diet will change today, thanks to your informative presentation. This is one heart attack that will be avoided thanks to you, Doc. 🙏😊
Thank you! And yes, I once upon a time bought into the low-fat fad myself. It means a lot that my video made that kind of impact in your life, so cheers to you, and all the best to your health!
lol pasta doesnt cause heart disease. Meat and dairy and eggs cause heart disease
I wouldn't call you foolish - this whole low fat thing was the prevailing health paradigm from 1978 until....well it is STILL being shouted from the rooftops by most governments! In Australia it says a grown man should have something crazy like 5 or so serves of grains per day, which is 2 slices of bread X 5 ....... 10 slices of bloody bread a DAY. Just plain nuts.
@@mikebrigandi_ You're actually thinking it's still 1980. Research now all says it's carbs that cause LDL and triglycerides to rise. Update your knowledge.
@@colvideos1 okay then give me the peer reviewed research that shows carbs cause heart disease
The clot shot is a huge risk
Had a heart attack June 5, 2023…male, 72…6ft 2..166 lbs..cholesterol 140, ldl 90, hdl 40, triglycerides 300
Statins beat the living daylight out of my husband. Pain everywhere! If he dropped something on the floor he would have to assess if it was cheaper to leave it and buy a new one later or bear the pain of bending down to pick it up! (of course I am exaggerating just a bit, but not that much. He stopped taking them and it actually didn't seem to make that much of a difference in his levels (and he is quite serious about seeing his cariologist every six months and testing each year.)
Please Please do a video on LDL (a) and is Niacin ok to take vs a Statin? I'm 62 yo. I had a tiny CVA 3 mo ago, no risk factors. family hx yes but they were not healthy. My LDL (a) was elevated
I remember Dr. Castilini (sp?) of the Framingham study saying over 30 years ago that it was the very small hard dense particles that were the most damaging.
Thank you for showing this video. A very good friend of mine just yesterday told me a story about her husband. He was going to have a knee replacement. He went to get cardiac clearance. The cardiologist noticed his cholesterol was
borderline so he started him on Lipitor 80 mg. He had the surgery but his recovery wasn’t
As expected. The pain was intense and he needed lots of pain meds. He developed a darkness in that leg that couldn’t be explained. Finally the orthopedic said I don’t understand what is happening but you should not hurt like this. His wife did some research and found that Lipitor can cause muscle and joint pain. He ended up with a rash and blisters. He stopped the med cold turkey and that I told her wasn’t the smartest thing to do. He isn’t doing well. Still having severe stomach cramps and muscle aches. He took that dose for 4 months which according to literature should never have been given for a cholesterol level of borderline.
The good cardiologist even told her that the primary Dr. would thank him for addressing an issue he was just watching. How long can these symptoms go on for after the med is stopped?
Questions she has been trying to get answers for.
Thank you. That was extremely useful. I've reduced most of my risk factors with diet and exercise but cholesterol is still a risk factor in my blood tests. At the next one I will ask to get the blood test that breaks it down into large and small LDL. I have concern about side effects and am trying to avoid unnecessary medications if I can do it with lifestyle changes instead.
Bad family history (father died at 52 of coronary artery disease / sudden ischemic attack ) and a meh calcium score; I've been a serial exerciser all my life (because I love my outdoor activities), and a mostly healthy eater (whole foods), not a lot of fat to lose, not a ton of stress, not a ton of lifestyle improvement opportunity (some, but not a ton). Dr prescribed atorvastatin; I'm struggling with how best to manage my cardiovascular health.
Last week my triglycerides were 69 and my HDL was 76. My LDL was 129. I'm very happy with my blood work and of course my doctor wants me to take a statin. 🙂 I had metabolic syndrome for almost 20 years before I went keto and low carb.
Just say NO!--From a former nurse.
You need to calculate your TC/HDL ratio and measure your blood pressure.
Isn't keto necessarily low carb? or do you mean you started with keto and then moved to low carb?
Get a new doctor. Those are great names
more important is your ldl size
Great video and great information. After watching this, I think that I am entitled to 3 college credits!!! I had a heart attack on April 8, 2023. One stent put in my right artery that was 100% blocked. Left the hospital on a 40mg statin. After a few months, I requested blood work to look at my cholesterol numbers because I told the doc that I didn't want to take more meds than needed. My cholesterol was not high when I weighed 247 lbs. I now weigh 194, changed my diet and exercise program. The doc said that he was going to reduce the statin to 20mg. When he did, I stopped taking them. Did more blood work 3 months later not taking the statin and my cholesterol and triglycerides are perfect. Triglycerides were 120 when I weighed 247, now they are 71. I have come to the conclusion from great doctors on youtube - that the side effects OUT WEIGH the benefit of any statin med in any dose. This is one of the best videos on this subject I have watched and I have watched dozens of them. Doctor Mike Hansen is in a league all by himself!!!!
Thanks! This is the most complete and accurate explanation of heart disease prediction I've ever seen. It covers all significant aspects of metabolic and blood lipid health and also the important numbers we need to look for when getting blood work testing. It also covered very completely the best options for prevention particularly lifestyle diet and exercise.Thank You so much 👍.
@8:55 -- the risk of high TG is not 80% higher than higher than high LDL. It is actually 38% higher (1.8 - 1.3 = 0.5; 0.5 \ 1.3 = 0.38).
Biggest risk factor for avg person- stress and drugs
Now I know how my high school students felt when we would read essays with long intros. Took nearly 5 minutes to get to target info that it's type B LDL, a small particle. To be fair, I've been listening to this kind of video for a few days. guess I need to go on a video diet.
The rabbit hole.
Seriously. In business you start all presentations with ‘takeaways’. I am not listening to this long winded guy. Outta here
Thank you Dr. Hansen. It's a great video! I did have higher blood fat years ago in my body check. Then I changed my diet in vegetarian for a month to back to normal level, now I eat less fat and more vegetables instead.😂
I have been vegan for 18 years and have no problem with my health at 71, you won't hear this anywhere because there's no money to be made by only being a vegan. 🤣
@@Everettel - do you eat grains as a vegan? Grains are not healthy due to the gluten & high carbohydrate load in them. However, vegetables & green leafy plants, seem to be the way to go.
My total cholesterol is always over the "magical" 200. (216 was my last). My GP, though I love her, is ALWAYS trying to push a statin on me, even though my triglycerides are always well below 150 and my HDL is always in the 60-80 range. This information is so helpful and didn't know the triglyceride/small LDL relationship until watching your video.
You're at risk for CVD. Don't buy into this bs. The only diet ever proven to prevent and reverse heart disease is a low fat, wholefood plant based diet.
What about oxidized LDL levels? If they are elevated can they be reduced?
Thank you. Comprehensive great video to this topic! I will send it to my cardiologist.
Please, no statins.
Research Nattokinase to replace statins…
@@springerrescue2608 🤡
🤡
What about Red Rice Yeast?
Funny because they saved my life after my heart attack. People who never had a heart attack have the luxury of saying no statins
I’d love to have the citations to the follow up study to show my doctor! Thanks for your excellent information.
I cut processed foods out of my diet and reduced by Trigs/HDL ratio from 7.45 at age 59 to 1.47 at age 64.
Good for you. Whole foods are the way to go, as close to their natural state as possible. 👍
@justrusty - I just had bloodwork done & the only ratio I see on it is chol/hdlc and mine is 3 - is this what you’re referring to or is there another one that I just didn’t get - my LDL is 120 - wondering how I find out if they are A or B
@@Melody-285 The chol/hdl ratio is not the same one as I am talking about - that one is total cholesterol/hdl. Trigs/HDL is more meaningful. Usually you have to calculate it yourself from the other values in the report.
@@justrusty Thanks so much for replying - if it’s not too much trouble, can you tell me how to calculate it ? I just had labs done & was at the dr. today - I wish I’d known about all this yesterday - lol - I have all the numbers if it’s not too difficult for you to tell me how to do it - I’ve heard of advanced lipid panels - I wonder if that’s what you would need to find out if your LDL is A or B - I tell you, I have learned so much from TH-cam - info I actually feel I can trust - I’ve had to care for several family members & I’ve learned you have to be knowledgeable & proactive about your health - and I’m in Florida, so everyone’s old & the doctors are really busy - lol - the PA at one of my doctors asked me if I was a nurse - ha ! No, I just watch a lot of TH-cam 😂
@@Melody-285 It's pretty straightforward calculation if your lipid panel has triglycerides reported. Just divide Triglycerides by HDL. A good ratio is 2.0 or less. The Pattern A vs. Pattern B test is called an LDL fractionation test, though it goes by other names also.
You did a great job probably 80% and got things wrong in the final advice. 25g should be total carbs intake not just added sugars.
But still this is my favorite one from you.
I'm a veggie but recently my blood has high cholesterol. Had my blood work done 3 months later, M.D. said my cholesterol dropped as I made adjustments. Yet my MD recommends sta tins.Naturally I refuse MDs recommendation and she knew I would refuse!
I think cigarette smoking is the biggest risk.
Excellent video... Mike.
However you didn't mention the effects of LDL cholesterol on the kidneys. Could you make a video on that? My friend said his kidney disease was caused by LDL cholesterol.
Why don't you discuss the ratio of LDL to HDL or LDL to total cholesterol? I understand its also important.
Imagine if instead of the hundreds of billions of dollars we spent on statins and cholesterol testing we instead directed that educating patients about healthy diets and lower blood sugar. I recently had a heart attack and my cardiologist said the only thing that will prevent a future heart attack is taking statins. She didn't mention a thing about my pre diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight, waist size, or high blood pressure. I immediately fired her.
Yes the doc told me that, but i stopped taking stains and stopped eating carbs. Boom; lost 45 lbs, not longer get heart pain, stopped two other medications. And my A1c went from 44 to 37 in a year. (41 is the recommended max).