Researcher6076
GLP-1 Apprentice
Mechanistically, retatrutide burns fat more than tirzepatide. It creates some small improvements in visceral fat. Burning up some fat will. Improve your lipids.
Peptides and cholesterol
- Thread starter teetee07
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CathyGoesFar
GLP-1 Apprentice
I don't have typical high cholesterol but I can add a data point.
I have familial hypercholesterolemia(high lifetime ldl, low hdl, low lipo(a), mom died of heart attack at 39 years old). I have seen no reduction in total or ldl cholesterol on tirzepatide and I'm now beginning the process of fighting the VA to adequately treat it.
I have familial hypercholesterolemia(high lifetime ldl, low hdl, low lipo(a), mom died of heart attack at 39 years old). I have seen no reduction in total or ldl cholesterol on tirzepatide and I'm now beginning the process of fighting the VA to adequately treat it.
RubbaDubba1
GLP-1 Enthusiast
I recognize that, I ran across it when I was researching Apo(b) gene. My dad had 3 strokes, 1 heart attack, 1 aortic aneurism and a good ole brain aneurism. I Have a good amount of Heart Disease, from both sides of the family as well. I always had decent Cholesterol, but LDL was always on the high side.
Anyways got the Apo(B) checked and I'm good there, my last Cholesterol was HDL 115, Triglycerides 60, LDL 92. My HDL has gone up like 40% and LDL has dropped over 30%, my Triglycerides have been fairly stable. Certainly losing the weight, lifestyle etc is part of that. But the Retatrutide, is when my numbers really changed alot.
I've had a Pulmonary Embolism, enlarged heart, stress tests, I take a mild blood thinner & Tadalafil to help prevent any problems in the future. I'm staying on the Reta, as long as I can get my hands on it. I don't know if Retatrutide is something you can look at, but if you research it. You'll see what it's done to people's Lipid profiles.
CathyGoesFar
GLP-1 Apprentice
I just started reta. 😀 Unfortunately it's not going to be enough of a drop for me even if I get the best results seen in the study. With me having FH and a high lifetime LDL I should be aiming for under 90 LDL and ideally 70.
Currently at 255 LDL, 23 HDL, hs-CRP 12, ApoB 183. I actually had worse cholesterol numbers when I was a 21 year old active and fit soldier eating a healthy diet so in my case it's genetics.
I just started Repatha(paying out of pocket $240 a month 😒) and ezetimibe. Whatever reta brings to the table will be welcomed though. I could use every little bit.
RubbaDubba1
GLP-1 Enthusiast
Wowza, you got me beat. (not in a good way) it was my physical therapist who made me aware of it, his was family was loaded with it. He's pretty fit person too, which surprised me. My Apo(b) was 35, hs-CRP was 2, last blood work.
Sounds like kitchen sink protocol, when the house is on fire. It's tough when you get to a place where you throw everything at it, you don't have the time to try one at a time and see what works and what doesn't.
I'd be curious if you have any luck with that combo and could update later, Good luck!
1 year of statins and Ezetimibe cost me about 120, and lowered my ldl cholesterol to less than 40. That's cheaper than my yearly GLP1 dose, and far more effective.
I've seen the studies on retatrutide lowering ldl, and can confirm with labs that it didn't have any positive effect on my ldl levels, which were close to 100.
I've seen the studies on retatrutide lowering ldl, and can confirm with labs that it didn't have any positive effect on my ldl levels, which were close to 100.
BlackRidge
Recently Joined
🚫No Source Discussion🚫
I was in the same boat, severe FH and I had a heart attack about 7 months ago (age 36). I'm 6'0" 260# and never really had an egregious diet. I was immediately put on Atorvastatin 80mg, which didn't do much. Doc prescribed Repatha which TANKED my LDL (236 to 47 within a few months), and Vascepa which targets triglycerides (410 to 103 since December). My hs-CRP is now 0.655.
In all I'm on 3 separate medications to help lower various cholesterol types. I started Reta about 7 weeks ago and have no blood data since I started, nothing would be definitive to show its efficacy anyway since I'm on all the scripts. In my case with bad genetics, I highly doubt Reta would have even touched my cholesterol before the meds - but I also have the peace of mind that it's doing more for various liver functions than just statins alone.
lastresort
GLP-1 Enthusiast
You don't have to turn to peptides for every health issue. There are other safer, less "invasive", and easier solutions to treat your high cholesterol. Try with fibers such as green banan resistant starch and oat brans. Both contain fibers that are clinically proven to reduce serum cholesterol.
lessthanhalf
GLP-1 Specialist
While a better diet or fiber can improve lipids a bit, and should always be considered and ideally followed by anyone to improve lipids, it is not in any way the correct or main therapy for secondary prevention, for example for someone who already had a heart attack at age 36 or any other age, or even for primary prevention in those at very high risk. Expert advice from a cardiologist is always the correct approach and will more or less always involve aggressive lipid management with statins plus or minus ezetimibe plus others if needed.
GLP drugs including reta do improve cardiovascular risk and lipids but are very much a secondary therapy, after standard lipid lowering drugs, and are typically only recommended in obesity , heart failure or renal failure and fatty liver disease rather than a part of standard cardiovascular risk reduction.
GLP drugs including reta do improve cardiovascular risk and lipids but are very much a secondary therapy, after standard lipid lowering drugs, and are typically only recommended in obesity , heart failure or renal failure and fatty liver disease rather than a part of standard cardiovascular risk reduction.
CathyGoesFar
GLP-1 Apprentice
It's ridiculous how often someone has to have a heart attack before they actually treat FH.
I'm going to push hard at my next appointment to get FH added to my conditions lists and request to see a lipid specialist. So far they have all acknowledged that I have it but continue to list "hyperlipidemia, unspecified" 😒 . I firmly meet diagnostic criteria.
I have always refused statins and then they end the conversation at that. No doctor has ever offered me other options. Pretty much "You don't want statins? Ok, F off and die". I have met people with permanent damage from statins so as long as other options exist I'm not doing it. It generally requires high doses or multiple types of statins to adequately lower LDL in FH and that means an increased risk of side effects. Repatha and ezetimibe are so far side effect free although trying to use the auto injector is such a PITA I'll probably pull it apart and self inject.
Turbo-Farmer
GLP-1 Enthusiast
I’m of the same mind, people live into their 90’s in my family and I don’t know any of them that died of heart disease. High cholesterol is something that everyone has, I tried resuvastatin (Crestor) for a brief period of time and felt so off that it wasn’t worth it to me anymore. I had a hard time running with the fatigue and cramping. But when I found out that it may actually increase your blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance I quit. I was working to reverse my diabetes and it wasn’t helping. My LDL and Triglyceride profiles have improved slightly since I started tirzepitide.
I have hope that a Glp (peptide) will help me the way Tirz did for my weight and blood sugar.
Dogmandu
GLP-1 Apprentice
Repatha at $240 per month is still insane, but last time I checked it was about $600 out of pocket. At least it's moving in the right direction.
CNCCurrency
GLP-1 Specialist
Eight months in and my a1c went from 6.3 to 5.1 and all my other labs have improved significantly. My doctor was in shock and looked at me in amazement and said how?
CathyGoesFar
GLP-1 Apprentice
The patent expires in 2028 and the FDA has already rejected some of their maneuvering to try to extend it. We could be looking at a generic version in just a few years. 🥳
Old statins require high doses, new ones don't. 10mg rosuvastatin is enough to elicit up to 45% decrease in ldl. A good pcp will start you at 5mg, and won't even go over 10mg if you need more decrease. They will instead prescribe Ezetimibe and that will further reduce ldl levels to 70%.
CathyGoesFar
GLP-1 Apprentice
A good pcp is what I'm lacking. Mine sent me 10mg Atorvastatin even after I listed muscle side effects as one of my biggest reasons for refusing statins. I'm guessing it's cheaper. After that I just went to telehealths and got what I wanted prescribed. It's not like I wasn't a good candidate for repatha and ezetimibe anyway.
lessthanhalf
GLP-1 Specialist
Have you taken statins and experienced muscle pain?, or you are concerned about it happening if you do take them? Given the risks involved with familial hyperlipidemia, not taking statins for a possible risk sounds somewhat extreme, not taking them due to having unacceptable side effects is a very different story , and I would assume and hope most doctors would try to treat the problem in that case, rather than just end the conversation. It is not rare at all.
I would imagine they would find the situation frustrating to deal with if you had not tried them first, but there are other lipid lowering drugs, even if statins are refused and it throws off their normal way of managing the problem with statins first. There are doctors that exist that do listen to patients concerns and are willing to treat problems even if they do not agree with the patients perspective.
I would imagine they would find the situation frustrating to deal with if you had not tried them first, but there are other lipid lowering drugs, even if statins are refused and it throws off their normal way of managing the problem with statins first. There are doctors that exist that do listen to patients concerns and are willing to treat problems even if they do not agree with the patients perspective.
Lovedog100
GLP-1 Apprentice
Remember that we are all just giving our opinions. Some from internet research, others from their own experience. We aren't doctors, if there is a doctor here, he/she isn't your doctor. That said, I would stay away from statins, they are not good for your overall health. Reta does help with cholesterol. Also, there are non peptide options like supplements, teas, and some foods that help lower cholesterol. Punch the question into your Google search bar, or your YouTube search bar.
drswole
GLP-1 Novice
🚫No Source Discussion🚫
first hand experience fixing my lipids using Reta.
I went up to 6mg weekly at one stage, but found 4mg to be sweet spot.
It also didnt surpress appetite so much like semaglutide did to me, so i was able to keep protein intake up to save some muscle mass.
i went from
total fasting Cholsesterol 5mmol/L (range < 5.5)
trigs 2.2mmol/L (range < 2)
LDL 4.7mmol/L (range < 3)
to (in around 8months, inclusive of some supplements, fasting, increased cardio)
total fasting Cholsesterol 2.14mmol/L (range < 5.5)
trigs 0.58mmol/L (range < 2)
LDL 1.1mmol/L (range < 3)
So reta definitely works
I went up to 6mg weekly at one stage, but found 4mg to be sweet spot.
It also didnt surpress appetite so much like semaglutide did to me, so i was able to keep protein intake up to save some muscle mass.
i went from
total fasting Cholsesterol 5mmol/L (range < 5.5)
trigs 2.2mmol/L (range < 2)
LDL 4.7mmol/L (range < 3)
to (in around 8months, inclusive of some supplements, fasting, increased cardio)
total fasting Cholsesterol 2.14mmol/L (range < 5.5)
trigs 0.58mmol/L (range < 2)
LDL 1.1mmol/L (range < 3)
So reta definitely works
CathyGoesFar
GLP-1 Apprentice
Returning with an update after my quarterly bloodwork.
Modern science is f-ing amazing. 😎 I have not been the most consistent about taking my ezetimibe so I'm going to reset with a different pill holding thing(can't use common name because it autocorrects to vendor?) that keeps it separate and see how things improve at my next blood work in 3 months. Right now it's sitting in with meds I need to take with a meal when it can just be taken before bed without bothering about that. 150 drop of ldl is still excellent.
Attachments
Airborne Daddy
GLP-1 Specialist
Just said this to my wife. Cardiologist blew me off and said if you dont have chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.... why are you even here? Toldem my abnormal ekg, right bundle blockage, calcification of my heart arteries noted on a scan and as soon as i fall asleep my hr hits 130 and stays there whenever im asleep. Explained i was being proactive. He wants nothing to do with me until something bad happens.
RubbaDubba1
GLP-1 Enthusiast
That's awesome, glad to see you got some positive results. Looks like, that's the play right now. No telling how good it'll get, once you start adulting correctly with the new pill container 😉
Whiynot20026
GLP-1 Apprentice
I would think any pep that raises TES or HGH would inversely affect your cholesterol. It’s not possible to have high TES and HGH and have high cholesterol. They work opposite to each other.
Bill
Bill
wildweasel
GLP-1 Apprentice
Testosterone improves cholesterol?
Lmao do a google search or something buddy, you have no idea. Testosterone is extremely well known for significantly damaging cholesterol and lipid markers. There’s no shortage of medical literature showing this. It’s why people who inject test get regular lipid panels and why they develop artherosclerosis. FFS heart disease caused by cholesterol is the number one cause of early death in people who use testosterone, this is such a well-known documented fact
Whiynot20026
GLP-1 Apprentice
My name is Bill. And yes. Cholesterol goes down when you have high Tes. Buddy. I have done my research. And I have done it with myself through fasting. It’s a well known fact. Impossible to be high on both. You are reducing chesterfield when building Tes.
Bill or buddy. I prefer Bill.
Airborne Daddy
GLP-1 Specialist
Agreed. Maybe he means severe hypogonadism cases where trt helped lipids partly and likely due to lifestyle changes. On 120mg a week my levels look great. Currently at 300mg test and 300 mast not so much... just wait till the tren gets added.... hdl 0, ldl 300
wildweasel
GLP-1 Apprentice
if you are claiming it lowers ldl (good cholesterol) and significantly worsens overall lipid profiles and contributes to heart disease you are correct
If you were trying to claim it improves cholesterol and lowers heart disease I have about half a dozen medical publications I can post right now if you’re interested that show you that’s incorrect.
lessthanhalf
GLP-1 Specialist
The reaction from the cardiologist is pretty strange. You are in Moldova, which I am sorry to say I know zero about, but you are describing definitive evidence of cardiovascular disease, most likely atherosclerotic with possible evidence of a previous heart attack, and he does nothing? What are standards of health care like there ? Is it very limited by money to pay for public health services or is it more of a private medicine style system, if private it seems an especially odd reaction to a paying patient.
It can be the correct decision to not go further with testing, if there are no ischemic symptoms like angina and the tests will not change the treatment, but that assumes you are on lipid lowering therapy etc already. Do you have a local doctor you see? You need to make sure blood glucose, lipids, renal function and blood pressure are checked and treated if not ok. Fixing these is the main and most effective part of treating cardiovascular disease that prevents it from getting worse. And all of these can be done by a local doctor.
It sounds like you might have sleep apnea, with that high heart rate at night, not sure what else might cause it, but a sleep study sounds like a good idea, as well as a 24 hour ecg. Not sure if the calcification seen on scan was a coronary calcium score or a chest ct or xray, if a calcium score then it is absolute proof of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and it needs management. A ecg stress test or stress echo would be a good start.
I do not know your age or other medical history or weight etc, but from what I see the response does not make sense. And it would be reasonable to at least get anything your local doctor can do , done first, including any tests, and make sure things like lipids are being treated, then get a second cardiologist opinion. At least getting blood pressure and lipids treated and making sure you do not have diabetes will reduce most of the risks most of the way and can be done by local doctors if cardiologists locally are not very available or services are limited by costs? And as you are on here GLP drugs will help as well assuming you are overweight.
lastresort
GLP-1 Enthusiast
DOn't you just LOVE big pharma??
Personal experience--Tirz did not drop my cholesterol but Reta dropped it down. Total dropped 50 points and the others went down too. A1c dropped. I did not lose much weight on Reta so this drop wasn't from weight loss.
