My hubby's HDL is 19; doc gave him simvastatin 20mg to take for 90 days?

My husband is 36 yrs old, 5'9" and weights about 170 pounds. He does not drink or smoke, generally he is in good health. He used to work out alot but stopped because of wor etc about 1.5 yr now. During his last physical the doc told him that his "good cholesterol" HDL is low-19, therefore he needs to change his diet and exercise more. Yday we received a prescrioption on the mail for Simvastatin 20mg, the instructions are for my husband to take the medication for 90 days!! the strange thing is that the doc did not say anything about the medication when my hubby visited him about a week ago! We are not sure whether he should be taking these medications or not... should he change his diet and exercise first before taking the medications? We've been reading about Simvastatin adn the comments & side effects are scary so we are not sure. My hubby is quiet stressed about it and i am worried!! Please help!! thanks in advance.

By all means, if your husband can increase his HDL by diet and exercise alone, he should do so under his doctors supervision. If there is a change in his HDL levels, it will be noticeable within a month. If not he will probably medication.Since your husband's doctor made no mention of it, it would be wise to contact the doctor's office for instructions BEFORE using it to avoid any possible errors and undesireable effects. Visit naturescorner.com, my website.

19 is a really low HDL level. Exercise and diet can help. He can also take fish oil (omega 3) capsules which can also help a little.

My doctor put me on Niaspan which is a prescription slow release Niacin pill. My HDL was around 32 at the time.

Don't just start taking over the counter Niacin - it's not the same as the Niaspan.

Hope this helps.

Between the Niaspan, fish oil, and exercise I've been able to keep my HDL in the 45 - 55 range.