Simvastatin

[Auiron]

I am 76 years old and have taken Simvastatin 20mg and Amlodipine 5mg for 16 years, and Bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg for 5 years - prescribed due to elevated Systolic blood pressure only. The affects that may be caused by Simvastatin are muscle cramps in lower legs for 16 years that have increased over time. Also outer hip and thigh pain over this period and in the last 5 years pain in various parts of feet and ankles making it more difficult to walk (Dorsal and Achilles). There are never any signs of swelling or rashes.

So far I haven't mentioned this to a doctor though blood tests in the last two years show elevated Liver enzymes. As I do not drink alcohol I'm told there is nothing that can be done. My weight is normal and I have not been overweight in the last 16 years.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! It is unclear if you are on medication as a general precaution or because of a cardic event such as angina/heart attack/stents/bypass. Besides CVD for which I had a quadruple bypass last year I also suffer from PAD (peripheral arterial disease) which can cause cramp. I started on Simvastatin but was charged to Atorvastatin because of muscle aches - the ache is very different from a cramp. Where there is CVD narrowing of the arteries can occur in many places including the legs (PAD) and cartoid arteries. I would suggest you ask your GP for a Doppler test to check for PAD. Note though a quick feel of the pulse is inadequate. I was told my circulation was fine and had PAD diagnosed six weeks later. Good luck!