Club Meeting Program: December 3rd, 2012 - Dr. Anthony Zollo

Today's speaker was Dr. Anthony Zollo from Swisher Internal Medicine in Hickory.  He spoke to us about cholesterol levels and the good ( HDL) and the bad (LDL) levels.  He gave us ranges for both (HDL < 45) & (LDL < 100).  He spoke to us about how research has refined how these values have been changed through the years.

He spoke to us about risk factors such as genetics, diet , exercise, heart disease, diabetes, etc.  He briefly touched of the statins like Lipitor and how they work and the side effects of soreness and weakness, which are reversible when the medications are stopped.  He also talked about Wellchol that acts on the bile that helps lower cholesterol and passes in the stool.Both require monitoring with bloodwork every few months. Niacin also helps lower triglycerides, but should be prescribed by a doctor, since the dosage varies and can cause some liver issues if taken incorrectly.

The program was brought to us by Rotarians Betty Ikerd and Julie Packer.