Here is my strategy for trying to control cholesterol and to "reverse" plaque buildup, and to prevent restenosis. As stated elsewhere, I have had two stents and three angioplasties since May 1 to preventing further blockage and avoiding bypass.

I had been on 3g of fish oil per day along with VitC, VitE, multi...and when angina struck in late April, I immediately increased dramatically. I went to 8g fish oil, 10-12g VitC, added 3g lysine, 1.5g proline (see Pauling site for details), 100mg CoQ10, in addition to previous intakes. I also added EDTA chelation (controversial I know and more reading has made me more doubtful and I am reevaluating continuing the chelation). I also had been taking 20mg Lipitor and this was increased to 40mg. Post first angio/stent, they added 75mg Plavix. I continued my 325mg aspirin.

This resulted in LDLs dropping from 92 to 75 with HDLs in the low 35 range. Total at 170, Trig at 150. Not bad.

But...second blockage 6 weeks later, so I have adjusted further. Changed to Vytorin (10mg/40mg) which adds the Zetia sequesting agent to Zocor instead of the Lipitor. While I haven't researched it myself, my primary says that the Zocor has evidence of contributing to HDL elevation while the Lipitor does not. In addition, I added 500mg Niaspan, a slow release niacin, which raises HDL. Finally, 30mg of isosorbid, a slow acting nitro to help present spasm.

In spite of all of this, I still have plenty of PVCs (I know, somewhat unrelated to cholesterol reduction), and don't feel all that great. I plan to reenter cadiac rehab next week and will hope for the best. I do not know any other vairable knobs to try and would appreciate any new suggestions.

Hope this helps.

Ken

heartcreature says:
"I do take Zocor and my LDL is below 70 so I'm hoping it's working."

That's a good result - but there must be something other than Zocor (simvastatin) that you are taking. How much are you taking? Can you elaborate a bit on what else you take, and your diet, if that's part of it?

Ken:
With regard to the Vytorin I think the HDL elevation comes mostly from the ezetimibe (10mg). They work well in combination and are better in raising HDL and lowering LDL than the Lipitor (atorvastatin) monotherapy. Of course the elevation of HDL is more important than lowering LDL at the sort of cholesterol levels you are obtaining.
You want to buy some time right now - to allow the medication and diet to do its work. That is long term - in the meantime you need solutions to the short term problem of stabilizing your condition. That may require different medication. I would just be careful not to cover all the bases by too many different medications - I cannot comment much further except to say that you should keep seeking advice. I'm surprised your cardio has not said do this and do that.
Lenin is your man here - he seems to have a vast knowledge on this. No doubt there are others too with experience, that have good advice.
Good luck mate with the rehab.