Continuing high dose of statin following cardiac arrest.

[mcoops]

Hi I'm new here. I'm a 66 year old male and had a cardiac arrest in August last year. Prior to that I had been very fit, exercised to a significant level all my life including long distance cycling. My cholesterol wasn't high, I don't smoke or drink, have a below average BMI and low blood pressure. I had two stents fitted and have made a full recovery and back cycling. I was prescribed 80mg of Atorovastatin, which I am still taking. My GP states that following a cardiac arrest it is normal to remain on a high dose indefinitely. This is the highest daily dose that is prescribed. With my history and now even lower cholesterol is this necessary?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! My statin dose was quadrupled post bypass. A hospital pharmacist I spoke to says you should be reviewed on the first anniversary of surgery but you need to ask for this as it is easier for the system to write repeat prescriptions

[mcoops in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael.

[Chappychap]

Statins have additional benefits besides cholesterol. The problem with having a cardiac incident when your risk factors look so low is that it's difficult to know what to do differently to reduce the risk of a reoccurrence? Based on some of the comments on this forum I'm not sure the NHS support this group as much as possible.

[mcoops in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you for your response.

[Loving-life]

Hi if you want further advice call the bhf helpline and speak to a specialist nurse, they will be able to provide the correct guidelines on this for you.

Heart Helpline - for medical enquiries: 0300 330 3311