Hello Owen and John Wen,
I need some help interpreting and understanding results from a Cardio IQ test (fractionation by ion mobility). These questions do not center around the LDL-C number because I am not worried about that. I am worried about LDL-P because a high number of particles means a potentially high number of small particles.
Background:
1 year ago I had a heart attack and received 3 stents. I was 41 years old, 270 pounds and had metabolic syndrome with high blood pressure (I took BP medicine at the time Benicar w/ HCT 20/12.5 mg).
My doctors put me on the following medicines:
Effient :10 mg/day
Baby Aspirin: 81 mg/day
Meterprolol long lasting: 25 mg/day (The last month I have reduced to 12.5 mg)
Lipitor: see below for dosage
I found the Lipitor to have unbearable side effects and cut the dosage down to 20 mg for the first 3 months, then cut it to 10 mg for next 8 months and recently stopped taking it all together.
I read your site and posted some questions and I put myself on a Pauling type protocol and have been taking the following for the past year.
Morning:
Lysine 1600 mg 1/2 teaspoon
Proline 250 mg 1/8 teaspoon
Taurine 900 mg 1/4 teaspoon
Magnesium Glycinate 1000 mg 1/4 teaspoon
Fish Oil 1000 mg
Co-Q10 200 mg
Vitamin C 4500 mg 1 teaspoon (bowel titrate level)
Lunch:
Vitamin C 4500 mg 1 teaspoon
Night:
Fish Oil 1000 mg
Vitamin C 4500 mg 1 teaspoon
Lysine 1600 mg 1/2 teaspoon
Proline 250 mg 1/8 teaspoon
Magnesium Glycinate 1000 mg 1/4 teaspoon
Taurine 900 mg 1/4 teaspoon
I also went on a low-carb, high-fat diet. I lost, 65 pounds in 6 months and have consistently 205 pounds (+/- 2, yes it is that tight).
I started exercising 5 days a week. Generally resistant 3 days a week and cardio the other 2 days or vice versa. I have just recently started warming up on resistance days with high intensity interval training (Sprint . In the last 4 months I trained for a 5K. I had to stop because the statins were cramping up one of my calf muscles and I could not jog for more than 10 minutes. I quit the statin and ran the 5K 2 weeks later. Now I jog 2 miles twice a week. I quit the statin a month ago and titrated up to 2 grams of niacin a day (to elevated HDL and lower BP)
I feel great other than some light-headed-ness and dizziness. My BP is regularly <120/<70. So, in the past 2 weeks I have cut my BP med in-half. Still having some issues.
Last week, I had a Cardio IQ test. I find my results are not that great and need some help understanding them.
HDL: 59
- this is great for me, one year ago it was 29
Triglycerides: 69
- 2 months ago it was 60, not bad but I think I need it lower ~50, is that correct?
Tot/HDL Ratio: 4.2
- this is still high, I think I need it below 3.1, is that correct?
Particle measurements in nmol/L
LDL Particle number: 1539
- I have no idea where I should be. The test suggests <1260. How do I lower LDL-P. I have read statins do and don’t lower. I have read Niacin will help. I only did therapeutic levels of niacin 1 month before the test so they may not have had time to make an effect. Any suggestions?
LDL Small: 226
- the test suggests <162 and I’m sure the best number is 0. How do I lower this number?
LDL Medium: 283
- the test suggest <201, I have no idea.
HDL Large: 4344
- the test suggests >9300. Since, I have been paying attention to my health, this has been low. I know Niacin is supposed to help. Any other suggestions on how to lower this number?
LDL Peak Size: 223.6 angstroms (with a Patten A)
- I know I need large and fluffy. Pattern A is supposed to be large and fluffy. But, is this a good size? Does this mean anything?
Lp(a): 113
-The tests suggest <75. I take lysine and proline. Should I increase proline?
Homocysteine: 10.9
- I want 6 to 8. I just found out I am genetically deficient in producing the enzyme to make follate and have starting supplementing “active” follate, B12 and B6. I think that will lower my homocysteine.
I the past 2 months I have added the following supplements because of the jogging cramps and the results of a genetic test:
Morning:
Hawthorne Berry 1000 mg (for fibrinogen)
Prebiotic (Kefir) 4 oz
Vitamin B3 (Niacine) 2000 mg 1/8 teaspoon
Vitamin B6 100 mg
Vitamin B9 (Follate) 800 mcg (homocysteine)
Vitamin B12 5000 IU
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) 100 mcg
Night:
Magnesium 300 mg 1 Tablespoon (cramps)
Posassium Citrate 275 mg
I don’t know if should celebrate, cry or just say “OK.” I have been working hard and feel like I am in the best health of my life (at 42). I have never been able to jog and I now I power thru 2 miles any time I feel like it. Neither my cardiologist nor GP approve of my protocol and they just want me on statins with an LDL-C of 60... I wish I could find a low-carb Dr.
Please help