Hi there, I’ve accessed blood test results taken earlier this year.
Serum cholesterol was 6.6
Serum cholesterol ratio/HDL ratio was 4.9
Serum non HDL was 5.2
I’m 65 yo, and classed as “at risk” of CVD. I am on 7.5mg Ramipril. Last BP taken when bloods given, was 114/80. I don’t drink or smoke, walk 40+ miles a week in the countryside with my dog. The practice nurse asked if I was on statins, I’m not as I’m: a) not entirely convinced on their benefits - I’d rather try to lower cholesterol by changing my diet and b) concerned about side effects. I’d welcome thoughts as to whether they are of proven benefit or just as a “tick box” exercise for GP’s statistics.
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Oldjock
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Hi Oldjock. I had a heart attack 3 years ago out of nowhere aged 55. Not obese, no family history, never smoked, fairly fit etc. My cholesterol level was high but within norms. I was put on statins (as well as eating better and exercising) and now down to 2.8 (of which 1.5 is HDL). There is a proven link between high levels of cholesterol and HAs and statins can reduce cholesterol. Side effects are known but are also over reported. I’ve had no side effects that I can point to. So I have done both (meds + lifestyle) and I’m hoping that it will help me make the most of my second chance. Obviously it’s your choice in the end. But all I’d say is that a heart attack can be pretty final and if it hits you you won’t be able to wind back time.
Just for you to think about - the statin does not simply lower cholesterol; it also softens plaque in the arteries. If a piece of plaque breaks away and blocks an artery then heart attack follows. I have been on statins for nearly two years and have had no side effects. Everyone's different so up to the individual to take the advice given by GPs and cardiologists or go their own way.
My husband has been on statins for 15+ years, hes never experienced any side effects. Our friend has been on them since the 90's he also has never had any side effects. Unfortunately they do get a bad press as not everyone can tolerate them but the vast majority of people take them with no problems.
Your total cholesterol needs to be 5.0 or below if there are no other risk factors, otherwise 4.0 or below. Diet improvement may get it to 5.0 but dietary changes have to be sustainable. I have been on Atorvastatin for over eight years without issues. The internet (social media) and certain sectors on the press are responsibility for most of the negativity surrounding statins. Quite a few people have an adverse reaction to penicillin but we don't get all this negativity! Ultimately it is your decision but my recommendation is give them a try. I have seen a number of people die of heart attacks including my father in 1980! If statins help to avoid that go for it!
Thank you all for your helpful information. Well now...I’ve always been reluctant to be on meds of any kind (us old jocks are stubborn buggers), however, taking a risk/benefit view, I’d have to say I should opt “in” as it were. As NorthantsSteve and Calliope153 said, a HA could ultimately be seen as God’s way (other deities are available) of saying “I told you so”. Given that both my parents died of heart failure, it’d be more prudent to start statins. Thank you again.
I’ve only been on them since surgery in April- waiting for the side effects I keep reading about but they seem to have passed me by!!! I’m seeing a hereditary specialist in nov as didn’t have any signs before and looking forward to seeing what my levels are with the statins
I’d no idea that there was such a person as a “hereditary specialist” Gail. Isn’t there a saying that “you can’t cheat genetics” health wise? I wish you a successful recovery. For what it’s worth, I’m of the opinion that I really should start on statins now. Pig headed stubbornness is not a useful trait in these circumstances!😁
They're usually prescribed post MI/HA, and for good reason.
There are those who advocate taking statins as a preventative measure, but they're in the same camp as people who tell you to take an aspirin with breakfast when you've had no previous history of heart attacks. It's not really advisable unless prescribed.
Hi Oldjock from another stubborn old Scot. Aged 61.
I’ll share my experience of statins and hope it helps as my situation seems similar to yours.
I have a family history of coronary heart disease so when my blood pressure started to increase around 2008 I discussed this with my GP. After 24 hour BP monitor I was then prescribed perindopril 4mg.
A couple of years later my cholesterol levels increased and I was prescribed simvstatin with no side effects. My weight, diet and excercise were all pretty good at this time.
In 2011 I had my first angina symptoms and was almost immediately given a stent in LAD which had a severe blockage. The two cardiologists at the time decided that the cholesterol lowering regime should be “more aggressive” and my statin was changed to rosuvastatin 10mg. Again no side effects.
A few months later my local surgery changed my statin to atorvastatin 80mg. The reason was quite simply cost saving. Atorvastin (Lipitor)was “off patent” and available cheaply as a generic, rosuvastin (Crestor)being a newer drug was still in the patent period. At that time my treatment on Crestor was about ten times the price of atorvastatin.
Almost immediately after the change to atorvastatin I felt terrible, no specific muscle pains but just like the after effects of flu. When I stopped the tablets these symptoms went away and returned when I restarted.
I discussed this with my GP and he agreed to change back to rosuvastatin 10mg which I’ve been taking now without any side effects.
So cutting a long story short, my cardiologists recommend taking statin. If you experience side effects, muscle pain etc contact your GP immediately and try another statin.
Rosuvastatin is now “off patent” and cheap so the cost issue shouldn’t be an issue now.
I agree with Lonmayloon - if you decide to try statins, ask for a change if you get side effects. I have looked at all the research & remain convinced that statins are not always the wonder drug they claim to be & can have bad side effects for some people - I am one of many who have suffered them but am OK with a change of brand & dose. I see all the medication as a trade off between risk of side effects & risk of HA.
Take them as the patient information leaflet says you should. That is the lowest dose first, give it time, test to see if working appropriately. That way you will be on the lowest dose that gives you benefit.
My cardiac consultant told me he takes a statin. I was impressed by that. It's not often you come across a doctor who takes his own medicine. For me, weighing up the costs v the benefits comes down on the side of taking the tablets, but as others have said, seeking a change of brand if the side effects are bothersome.
I’m on Atorvastin, since April. Along with a bunch of other meds you need to take post HA. I resisted statins prior to my HA because I stupidly believed the tabloids talking them down, like they seem to anything they get their dirty mitts on. I’ve decided missing out reading the news is better for my health, and I take the statins. No side effects. The only side effect I’ve had is from a different med and it’s actually a benefit - it makes me colder, which as a lady of a certain age, and not allowed HRT, is fabulous!
I think it’s really sad that the media has stirred up such a frenzy against something that could potentially be life-saving, to the point that the first question is ‘but side effects’. The side effect of not taking the meds, definitely in my case, has the side effect of leaving my girls without their mummy.
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