What do you think?

[Ocset]

Few weeks ago, and whilst on holiday in the Red Sea, I had a heart attack and subsequently a stent fitted.

Though am grateful to the doctors in hospital where I had the operation, upon my return home I felt the need to see a specialist here in the UK to discuss the medications I was given and the “length of time” I was told take them (have concerns about Statins for example). Also, as I have enough medications to last for 3-4 more weeks my worry is to when I run out.

My GP surgery are not seeing patients, understandably considering the pandemic, and providing medical assistance remotely.

Having joined this brilliant online community, I thought I will see what people here think would be my best course of action.

Thank you,

[Maisie2014]

GPs are still supporting patients. Some are doing video or telephone consultations. My surgery also does online. I fill in their form online with my concerns and they ting me with the answers. I’m sure if you contact them they will be able to help.

[Ocset in reply to Maisie2014]

Thank you very much for your reply.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I would say contact your GP sooner than later. You need at least a one to two week buffer of medication, if not more. What is your concern about statins? Besides lowering cholesterol they are also prescribed to prevent restenois (blockage of the stent).

[Ocset in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for your reply. My late mother was on statins for few years and it caused her muscle weakness (myopathy) as well as tendon problems resulting in serious mobility deterioration.

[84green]

Hi. As Maisie and Michael have said, you need to get in touch with your GP to ensure continuity of your meds. I’m sure your surgery will provide a degree of consultation even if it’s not in person.

You can also call the specialist BHF nurses for advice.

Statins are a divisive subject. My sister in law refuses to take them as she believes that they made her feel so bad. There are many who feel the same. Equally, many regard them as life savers. A friend’s dad died following a heart attack due to blocked arteries aged 66. His uncle started on statins at that point and lived another 20 years. You will have to take your own advice, do your own research and make your decision. No one can make you take anything.

I haven’t had a HA but have some narrowed arteries. I have seen two cardiologists who believe it is important I take them. That has convinced me unless/ until I am convinced otherwise. Also, bear in mind that statin dosage and/or brand can be varied.

I have recently been reading a lot of the work of Professor Ivor Cummings who has some interesting thoughts on heart disease - it’s causes and treatment. It would be fair to say that he is a sceptic when it comes to statins - he does not see heart disease as primarily a cholesterol problem. Even so, he states that for those with existing plaque formations, statins are helpful.

As Michael has said, the role of statins in stabilising plaque (ie making it less likely to rupture) is the key point for me.

I have come to the view that they are an important part of my treatment but significantly over prescribed in general - partly as a result of the influence of big pharma companies (but that’s another subject!)

Best wishes

[Ocset in reply to 84green]

Thank you very much for your reply. appreciated.