cholesteral and treatment

[Monkey]

Does high cholesteral affect treatment?  I have been diagnosed last week as borderline.

[Tim Horn]

The effects of high (or low) cholesterol levels in people living with chronic hepatitis C are definitely curious!

If HCV infection progresses, the general rule is that cholesterol levels in the blood decrease, given that the virus is damaging the liver's ability to produce new cholesterol (interesting fact: our livers typically make enough cholesterol to keep our bodies healthy -- it's the additional cholesterol in saturated fats from animals that tends to be the problem).

And here's another interesting possibility: Some research suggests that having a higher total cholesterol level -- including higher levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol -- is associated with a better chance of a sustained virologic response (SVR) following treatment.

Of course, having an above-normal cholesterol level shouldn't really be considered healthy, but you'll definitely want to discuss this with your doctor when discussing next steps.

Tim Horn

[Monkey]

I know I should discuss this with my doctor but, typically these questions come long after I leave the office.  LOL.

You have given me some positive answers and help and for that I thank you kindly.  You make it a little more understandable and will help me provide some quality questions for my doctor.

[Ann]

I know I should discuss this with my doctor but, typically these questions come long after I leave the office.  LOL.

I often have that trouble too. The solution I found was to get a small notebook and every time I think of a question or something I want to discuss with my doctor, I write it down. Leave room for answers and when you go to an appointment and ask the questions, you'll be able to write down what s/he says. It's so very easy to remember to ask the questions, but forget what the answer was the minute you step foot outside the office.