Not Every Lab Abnormality Needs a Pill
When 'Better Safe Than Sorry', Translates Into 'Too Much Too Soon'
Jean walked into the doctor’s office complaining of generalized body pain for the past few weeks. He was 31 years old and had no medical conditions. His history didn’t point to anything, and his lab results showed no abnormality except mildly elevated liver enzymes.
Digging deeper, the doctor discovered he was taking a handful of medications — statins, fish oil, vitamin D, and magnesium .
A few months back, he had run a comprehensive wellness check, and his cholesterol was mildly elevated, prompting a prescription of statins.
Statins are a group of medicines that lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol. By reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol, statins help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases, especially in people at high risk.
Statins have one complication, however; they can cause body aches and disturb liver enzymes, which is what Jean experienced.
Here’s the truth: Not everyone needs a statin.
A young, otherwise healthy person with moderately elevated LDL may not need a statin, but an older adult who is diabetic with normal LDL cholesterol might need a statin.
When To Consider Statins
LDL ≥ 190 mg/dL (any adult 20–75)
Diabetes + age 40–75 + LDL ≥ 70 mg/dL (You could have normal cholesterol level)
10-year heart risk ≥ 7.5% (Here’s how to know your 10-year heart risk)
Very high risk ≥ 20% (high-intensity statin)
All Jean needed was a lifestyle change.
Eat smart: berries, apples, leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, garlic, fatty fish (salmon/sardines).
Move daily: brisk walking 30 mins most days.
Ditch bad habits: smoking, excess alcohol.
Get adequate sleep
Manage stress
Abnormal lab values aren’t always an emergency—sometimes it’s just feedback.
Building better habits and living a healthy lifestyle is more sustainable than relying on medication.
Action step for you today: could you add one colorful fruit and one 30-minute walk to your weekly routine? Repeat until it’s a lifestyle.
Stay hale and hearty,
Dr Nguper
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