Pulsatile tinnitus links to Folate B9 and cholesterol

[PTNewbie]

I have Pulsatile Tinnitus. I’ve just had blood test results… along with my folate B9 levels (having been very low when I first developed PT) I also have high cholesterol…

LDL (bad cholesterol) is slightly high at 3.6 (should be below 3)

Serum cholesterol is 5.4 (should be below 5)

My overall ratio is 4.4 (which isn’t considered high but the lower the better).

I’ve researched this some more and where I’ll put focus on is eating healthier, exercising. I’m also continuing to take folate supplements and see where that takes me. The folate does seem to be making a difference already.

Anyone else relate to this or have any experience to share in relation to folate and cholesterol? Any success stories/research to share?

“High cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream play a significant role in the development of tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo.”

Source: journals.lww.com/njcp/fullt... 20hearing%20loss%2C%20and%20vertigo.

[Happyrosie]

i hadn’t heard of the cholesterol issue regarding tinnitus so I hope,one of the mods from Tinnitus UK will comment.

[TinnitusUKPat Partner in reply to Happyrosie]

There's a body of research which posits a link between high cholesterol and hearing loss, which is where tinnitus often comes into the discussion: jamanetwork.com/journals/ja....

Pulsatile tinnitus is often identified as developing in the carotid artery when blood flow changes (or our perception of that blood flow changes - often as a result of hearing loss). Our PT guide on the website does discuss this in more detail: tinnitus.org.uk/understandi...

[PTNewbie in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Amazing thank you!

[Marlayna67]

ah interesting! I’ve had T and high cholesterol for a long time. Just went back on statins after taking six months off and seeing if I’d cured it. Nope went up 100 points!

[PTNewbie in reply to Marlayna67]

Interesting to hear and sorry it went up. I wonder at the physical objective causes that start it and then the psychological perception of noticing it. As in once you have it, notice it it may never fully go away. A bit like a ticking clock in a room once you hear it, that’s it you’re unable to not hear it until you’re distracted by other noise / occupying your mind. As in does it ever truly go away once it starts.. what’s your thoughts?

[Marlayna67 in reply to PTNewbie]

I feel the same way. It started when I was 11 so for 47 years I’ve heard it.

[Bookinweasel in reply to PTNewbie]

I remember first noticing vitreous (eye) floaters around age 18. It was quite alarming, but after years of visits to my local eye doctor, I hardly notice them at all. That was 38 years ago. It is remarkable how we adapt to such changes.

[MrChips13 in reply to Marlayna67]

I have read that statins can make Tinnitus worse, so I just went off of mine. There are plenty of natural and safer alternatives for lowering cholesterol. Pursue them.

[Marlayna67 in reply to MrChips13]

I tried doing everything the natural way, and my points shot up 100 after being off the statins for six months. My tinnitus has gotten worse to the point that it’s really bothering me again. I’ve also just started taking buprenorphine so I’m not sure if that’s causing it either.