Statins - again 😀

[COYW]

Hi all. Recent test showed my LDL at 1.51. Cardiologist says it should be lower than 1.4. I guess that’s the level for those with established AHD? I’ve been taking 40mg of Atorvastatin for 7 months now. No HA but 2 stents after 80% blocked LAD. Heart now has almost normal blood flow according to the isotope injection MRI thing I never remember the name of 😀. So my question is, do any of you take much higher doses of statin? Would you in this situation? Maybe I should go to 60mg? I cycle 200k a week usually, don’t smoke, 70% Greger nutrition 😀

[Maisie2014]

Hi COYW. Best check with GP. I had stent fitted to 90% blocked LAD last February and was prescribed 80mg Atorvastatin. Blood tests a few months ago showed liver damage and I received a telephone call from GP to stop taking. After a few weeks I was prescribed 40mg Atorvastatin which caused the same damage. I was then Prescribed 20mg Pravastatin and had similar problem. Now I’ve been taken off statins and GP asked me to do intermittent fasting instead. I’m now 6 days in and feeling much better.

[COYW in reply to Maisie2014]

Thanks, you’ve obviously had a difficult time. Glad you are feeling better.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I am in a slightly similar situation. Earlier today I had a review with the practice nurse (also Diabetes Specialist Nurse). My total cholesterol is 3.0 but they would like to see my LDL slightly lower. Currently I am on 40mg Atorvastatin. Whilst I tolerate this well my liver goes "Whoa" if the dose is stepped up. It was suggested I eat more oily fish but I feel if I eat more salmon, etc. I will start swimming up rivers! 🐠

No real idea what the answer is! ☹️

[COYW in reply to MichaelJH]

....and some say that the impact of diet on LDL for some of us is very low so I guess the other option that you have mentioned already is using other methods to lower inflammation in general and keep taking aspirin 😀

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to COYW]

The interesting thing is I read the general surgery guidelines this morning and they recommend below 2.0 for LDL, and we are both there. It would be good if there were some clear and consistent guidelines. Maybe it is my HDL that really need to go up? 😕

[COYW in reply to MichaelJH]

Maybe. My total Cholesterol was 3.2 so that is approx 1:1 ratio isn't it though maths isn't my strong point If it is, then I think that is good?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to COYW]

The DSN said one issue was GP matter. Yesterday it was two weeks plus but I went in via the telephone system this morning and slotted in on Saturday! 😀 I will also ask about cholesterol and LDL. The GP is the one with cardiolgy interests so I struck lucky for once!

[dunestar in reply to MichaelJH]

Fish oil supplements?

[Maisie2014]

My GP told me they had very good results with intermittent fasting for reducing inflammation and said hopefully it will reduce the pain with my osteoarthritis. I have low cholesterol and eat a balanced diet so I’m hoping I won’t need the statins but it’s still early days. Not only do I feel better the nightmares have stopped and Mrs Angry 😤 has gone.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Maisie2014]

Intermittent fasting is not something I would consider as I am a Type I diabetic. I know that Type Is and Type IIs on stronger medications do not have to fast at Ramadan.

This also applies to some cardic and renal conditions. Those on diuretics have also gone into difficulty. Basically people should take medical advice before fasting if they have serious medical conditions. Every year diabetics are admitted with hypoglycemia, hyperglycaemia and ketosis as a result of fasting.

[45sue]

It is certainly possible to take a higher dose of Atorvastatin up to 80mg but this does risk side effects such as liver damage which a number of us have had. Your results are not that much higher than the ideal & assume the cardiologist would have recommended an increased dose if thought necessary.