PBC causing high cholesterol?

[Greenfern]

My cholesterol level has gone up and I am wondering if it is due to my PBC. I know there are lots of causes of high cholesterol but I read in online research that PBC can cause this. Has anyone else had this and if so, did your doctor put you on a statin or cholesterol lowering medication? Thank you!

[ninjagirlwebb]

I had high cholesterol years before pbc. I am on Atorvastatin (lipitor) and my hepatolpgist monitors it. It is fine with meds but still need to watch diet. If I am not stringent about the eating despite the meds, the labs wont be great.

[Greenfern in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Thank you!

[CCordier]

Yes PBC causes high cholesterol. It also causes osteoporosis. I have both but I cant take cholesterol lowering drugs, which cause me to have extreme muscle pain. And I dont take anything for the osteoporosis, yet, but I do eat a great deal of dairy (which I love anyway) and other calcium containing foods. And I take a Vit D3 pill everyday.

Carol C.

PBC 2019

ME/CFS 1988

.

[Greenfern in reply to CCordier]

Thank you!

[Michi1 in reply to CCordier]

My mom quit the statins after her pharmacist told her the muscle pain was from the drug breaking down the muscle tissue. He then said, "Your heart is a muscle, too." You couldn't pay me to take those things.

[JaneEyre55]

I am on Cholestyramine for the elevated cholesterol and Alendronate for the Osteoporosis. Please mention these 2 medications to your Hepatologist.

[Greenfern in reply to JaneEyre55]

Thank you!

[OrangeTulip]

I had high cholesterol prior to PBC, I continue to take statins per my cardiologist. My hepatologist also wants me to take vitamin D and calcium. I continue to try to lose weight and improve diet…small changes overtime can make a big impact!

[Greenfern in reply to OrangeTulip]

Thank you!

[Michi1]

My doctor told me PBC is associated with high cholesterol, and that it is NOT associated with heart disease as long as your HDL is high and your VLDL is under control. Mine was about 290 combined score at my last checkup and she wasn't at all concerned about it because my breakdown is good. My primary suggested a scan for a coronary calcium score, which can show if there's buildup in your arteries. Neither suggested a statin or other drug. I know that every time I do a vegan cleanse the cholesterol numbers drop A LOT, so I plan to up the veggies and either cut or drastically reduce cheese. Cheese is my kryptonite!

[Greenfern in reply to Michi1]

Thank you so much. This is very helpful!

[OrangeTulip in reply to Michi1]

Thanks for sharing. I have a cholesterol score of 290 and my cardiologist is concerned. My Calcium score is 20…was yours zero? Can I ask how you do a veggie cleanse?

[Michi1 in reply to OrangeTulip]

I was out of the country and haven't had time to schedule the calcium score. I'll get that done in the next few weeks. Re the vegan cleanse ... look up Green Smoothie Girl cleanse online. That's what I've been doing every six months. I'm starting again next week. It takes 26 days plus you're supposed to quit coffee a week ahead if you are a coffee drinker, and it's pretty hard core, but I come out on the other side feeling great.

[OrangeTulip in reply to Michi1]

Thank you. I am intermittent fasting, exercising and being careful with diet etc. I got diagnosed a year ago…as you know it takes time to figure out what works. I will look up green smoothie girl…

[Lawyers in reply to OrangeTulip]

I have had 3 calcium score tests. Last one 2023. All have been zero. My VLDL is also in range. Very high HDL, LDL but normal tryglycerides. Total cholesterol is 300.

[g00dandplenty]

Has anyone with PBC done Hormone Replacement Therapy? This can often really help lower cholesterol. I am considering.

[Greenfern in reply to g00dandplenty]

I have not done HRT because at this point, I think I am too old. Good luck though, it may help you!

[OdinsMom]

PBC itself causes high cholesterol and there is no need to take meds to lower it. It is NOT the same as high cholesterol from other sources. The main concern with high choleterol is damage to heart and the rest of the circulatory system, this doesnt' happen with high choleterol from PBC. Usually the HDL is also quite high which is more indicative that it's coming from PBC. Mine was quite high combined in the 300s with HDL being over 100 when I was stage 4 PBC. After transplant it went to normal. Now if you know your diet is high cholesterol and that you have perhaps genetically linked high cholesterol even before PBC then that is another issue.

[rderezin]

Like everyone I too have high cholesterol but found I can get it to drop up to 25 points in 3 months between testing by eating oats 3 times a week...those cheerios ads really work...at first it was oatmeal then honey nut cheerios became a go to meal..sometimes breakfast sometimes supper