Originally Posted by NVanHiker

(Yes, I know that ezetimibe enhances the effect of statins. One works in the gut, the other on the liver. Did it sound like I didn't know this or that I was asking for medical advice?)

Like Stapfam, I have lost most of the male members of my family to heart disease due to the overproduction of cholesterol in the liver and resulting clogging of the arteries. Never met my grandfathers. My dad succumbed at 52, his brothers at 48 and 62. Like Stapfam, despite a lifetime of exercise and eating right, I still had to have a quad bypass at 59 to relieve the blockages. Those of us with familial hypercholesteremia chuckle at the oatmeal-and-cinammon crowd - we're well aware of all foods and supplements that help, and most of us do take them. Unfortunately, their effect is marginal. After 6 years of taking my drugs, I'm still getting clean stress-test results. In fact, last year the doc noted that my readings were akin to someone who has never had a cardiac event. As a commercial driver who has to pass a DOT medical every year, this is very important to me.

The internet is filled with forums where the postings go something like this: "I quit taking {blood pressure medication/insulin/my AIDS drugs/lithium/blood thinners/etc.** and man, I feel so much better! No more side-effects and giving money to Big Pharma, dude! The drug companies don't want you to know this, but organic __ in your tea every morning will control your condition with no side effects!"

Let's get back to discussing 23 vs 25 tires and old guys telling us how women complemented their legs in bike shorts.