Anxiety

[Rbrealey]

I am still getting episodes of anxiety post HA and Angioplasty. I am taking Atorvastatin and I can see it’s a side effect of the drug - should I ask to switch to another drug or do all statins cause anxiety? I mentioned it to my GP but she just looked at me blankly which didn’t fill me with confidence. I’m only 3 weeks in so maybe it will improve - does anyone else have experience of this?

Thanks all x

[hutch123]

I think most people do have moments of anxiety following a heart related episode. Mine was in May and I still get anxious moments but no where near as often as I did. I found I was aware of every twinge and thought it was my heart and pre heart problems they were twinges I would not have taken any notice of. You are in very early days and I would guess you have not had your heart rehab appointment yet, it is a great source of info. It may be the statins but I would guess your anxiety may be part of the awareness of your heart problem.

[Rbrealey in reply to hutch123]

Thanks Hutch, i think in the back of my mind I know this and it’s reassuring to hear that it should pass over time. I can tell myself over and over that I’m fixed but it’s such a physical thing it’s hard to ignore and sometimes it overwhelmes me. I’ve just started the Rehab prog so I will mention it the the Nurse.

Thanks for reaching out.

[StevepH2012]

Hi,

I am new here as I am due 6 monthly review at which I fear the latest MRI will show my stenosis now critical and need to understand what AVR means! But I have been taking Antorvastatin for 5 years and found that my initial dosage (20mg) made me depressed/tearful/angry quite frequently - my GP halved the dose and the depression/anger became less frequent. Everyone is different but I know in my case this was a side effect of the statin as it is the only medication I've taken (other than the occasional hang-over pill). I would ask if the dose can be reduced or a different statin used if the anxiety is a problem.

Gd luck

[Rbrealey in reply to StevepH2012]

Thanks Steve, that’s good advice, I’m also on 20mg so I will speak to the Cardiac Nurse about reducing it.

[Jasppip]

It's early days yet I still get anxious after 3 months worry about pains etc give yourself time cardio rehab will help you can discuss it with nurses and some cardio rehab places have counsellors who you can talk to

[OldSchmoo]

Sounds like you and I were getting the same treatment for the same thing at the same time...

The first couple of weeks I found myself regularly anxious and swinging into a tearful mood quite easily - weeping at DIY SOS is not a good look!

I’m on a pretty high dose of Atorvastatin but I think my anxiety / mood things are more about the psychological shock than a side effect of the meds. I’m saying this because I’ve felt much better in terms of mood this week.

I’m still hyper conscious of little twinges and lack confidence to do any sort of exercise but, as others point out, it’s early days. At the back of my mind there’s confidence that things will get better.