- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
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Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
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Question
Zocor: Do I have to take it at night?
My father takes simvastatin (Zocor) and was told by his doctor to take it at night. But my father has Alzheimer's, so it's up to my mom to make sure he takes all his medications. Since this is the only pill he has to take at night, they often forget. Can Zocor be taken in the morning with his other medications?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Yes, simvastatin (Zocor) can be taken in the morning.
Some research suggests that simvastatin is slightly more effective when taken at night instead of in the morning. But what is really important is that your father takes his medication consistently. Because your father has Alzheimer's and has difficulty remembering to take his medication at night, it makes sense to give him the Zocor in the morning with his other medications. It shouldn't make a significant difference in his cholesterol levels.
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