Question: My LDL numbers are high. It was 145. I took a red yeast rice supplement for a few months and now it’s 120. My doctor says we’re shooting for 70 and recommends I stop the supplement and start a prescription statin. I’m a 66-year-old pastor and not on any prescription drugs, so I’m reluctant to start now. Perhaps that’s just pride and not wisdom. I’d appreciate your thoughts.

Answer: I usually recommend a statin over red yeast rice. It’s not because I’m against natural medicines (herbs, vitamins, or supplements). I’ve recommended red yeast rice for almost three decades in selected patients but not routinely. Before explaining the rational, let’s review some basics.

• 4/2, Part 1: “Best Treatment for a Potential Killer – High Cholesterol” — question and short answer
• 4/3, Part 2: What is cholesterol and why should you care?
• 4/4, Part 3: How do you find out if you have an abnormal cholesterol?
• 4/5, Part 4:How do you deal with abnormal cholesterol numbers?
• 4/6, Part 5: What is red yeast rice?
• 4/7, Part 6: Should you use red yeast rice?
• 4/8, Part 7: Why choose a statin instead?

Walt Larimore, MD, has been called one of America’s best known family physicians and has been named in the “Guide to America’s Top Family Doctors,” “The Best Doctors in America,” “Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare,” and “Who’s Who in America.” He’s a former Vice President and Physician in Residence at Focus on the Family and the American Life League has named him a “Rock-Solid Pro-Life” awardee. He’s also an award-winning medical journalist and the best-selling author of over 40 books. He and his childhood sweetheart and wife of nearly 50 years, Barb, have two adult children and reside in Colorado Springs. You can find Doctor Walt’s health blog at www.DrWalt.com and follow him on Facebook at “DrWalt.com”. Have questions for Dr. Walt? Email them to editor@todayschristianliving.org.