Do I need to take statins?

[Gcart]

Am 10 yrs post 2x stents in right coronary artery with changed lifestyle.

Off statin cholesterol is 5.6 and 3.5 on 20mg atorvastatin.

Do I need this medication? Have heard probably need cholesterol with age,am 77yrs

[Dhomewood]

I’ve had a stent too - my surgeon wants my cholesterol under 4.

I’ve managed to get down to 3.1 and reduce the statins to 40mg

I would think your Dr would want to keep your risk as low as possible.

Daren

[stevejb1810]

Ultimately the choice is yours but to some extent you have answered your own question; if you cannot maintain a low cholesterol level on lifestyle alone, then you need the statin. A level of 3.5 would be regarded as healthy. Everyone needs cholesterol, but you can have too much of a good thing. You didn’t say why you wanted to stop.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I would say you need to stay on statins as after ten years you do not know if other arteries could be affected, but symptomless. Also the HDL/LPL levels have to be considered. If you really want to stop you need to discuss with your GP but I suspect he would not be in favour. Another thought, if you are suffering side effects there are other statins and alternative drugs.

[Gcart]

Thanks all for your inputs,I just have this thing about meds

Regards

[IgottaStent]

Suggest you read Dr Malcom Kendricks book and blog about the great Cholesterol con. Statins were bad for me . Insidious aches pains and malaise . A friend in late 60s took them and his wife thought he was getting dementia not long after. She read an article in Daily Telegraph and took them off the statins and he improved considerably. Diet and lifestyle can have significant effect on Cholesterol levels. The book and blog and support from other professionals to Dr Kendricks work is good as well.

[Rosei in reply to IgottaStent]

I didn't read any articles, it turned out that 80mg of Statin started to do something nasty to my liver, taken off, liver recovered, put on 10mg of a different statin, a blood test at the end of the month, yet again another poor liver result, not allowed Statins anymore, my Cholesterol was 5.6, even though I have a good diet, veg, fruit etc. Chicken, fish, no cake, biscuits potatos or bread.

I was also on Aspirin,it caused internal bleeding, ended in hospital very ill with anaemia the reading was 7 instead of the 14 that I am used to, now I am on Clopidogre, so far so good.

[jimmyq in reply to Rosei]

Reducing or dropping the chicken and fish might lower your cholesterol. Eggs, butter and cheese as well.

[Rosei in reply to jimmyq]

Thanks jimmy, I don't eat eggs or butter, cheese rarely, I do eat quite a lot of fish, with beans and vegetables, I am hoping that I have more HDL than LDL, forgot to ask the cardiac urge.

[Gcart]

Just to let u know I asked this question on behalf of a friend .

He can digest the answers thanks

He is unable to do it himself

Didnt want anyone to think I have yet another health problem 🙂

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Another thing to bear in mind is that statins stabilise the plaque. Stopping them suddenly can result in pieces braking off with possibly serious consequences.

[Dovaston in reply to MichaelJH]

Michael , Where is the evidence that Statins stabilise plaque ? Thanks

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Dovaston]

I did find a reference after being told about this and will see if I can find it again. Personally once on statins it is best to remain on them, maybe on a very low dose, rather than find it to be true. I also take Vitamin C SR as it reduces inflammation of the arteries, often a precursor to plaque build up (think old time sailors and scurvy).

[Dovaston in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael

[jobe1968]

Statins do more than reduce LDL. Indeed the benefit may be more about plaque stability and moderation of blood viscosity.

I would do some research and keep an eye on your cognitive functions. I think some link between high dose and early reduction in function.

Nobody needs to take Statins just to weigh the risk reward ratio. I would say if you have had a heart attack the benefits outweigh risk. However Inam not a medical professional the best thing would be to consult a doctor who specializes in this field