High LDL for a long time

I found out about my hepatitis B a year and a half ago, but I have had an elevated LDL level since 2013, when I first took this test. Since neither diet nor a healthy lifestyle can lower it, the doctor does not insist, but suggests taking Ezetimibe. My liver tests are normal, the PCR level is up to 2000, there is no fibrosis.I am very concerned about starting statins, has anyone had experience with elevated LDL with a diagnosis of hepatitis B without prescribed treatment? I am 47 years old, male, no family history of heart attacks or strokes before age 50.
How to protect the liver and blood vessels at the same time? LDL has been always higher than 128 mg/dl

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Hi @Yevhen,
Great question. I believe it should not be a problem if your worry is about HBV. Uncontrolled cholesterol can lead to serious health conditions such as stroke and heart attack. The plaque clogs the blood vessels, leading to blockage and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Since diet and exercise have not led to improvements, I agree with your doctor’s suggestion that you take a statin to reduce this risk. Taking statins should not interfere with your HBV; however, some may have side effects. Issues about side effects can be discussed further with your doctor. Best, Bansah1

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Hi Yevhen, did you doctor do further testing which includes advanced lipid panels (ApoB, LDL-P) for particle number/size, Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and checks for underlying causes like thyroid/kidney issues, plus Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scans or imaging to assess plaque, while also evaluating lifestyle factors and potentially other risks like diabetes (HbA1c) prior to suggesting statin? My LDL numbers are elevated like yours too but I wasn’t told to take statin…

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Leng Thanks for your reply! Yes I am planning to do ApoB Lp(a) thyroid tests. I don`t really want to take statins especially after watching a lot of videos from doctors stating that elevated LDL-C numbers are potentially less harmfull

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