Had ecg and ct scan recently.ecg ok but ct scan showed some plaque in arteries so put on avorvaststatin 40 mg and bisoprolol fumerate 1.25mg.
Chololestal test 4 mths ago was 5.4
Had a health problem some years ago where I had no problems and suddenly developed muscle pains and spasms and could not sleep.Went on for few months until l linked it to the statins Simvastatin I had been put on (after routine blood pressure check by dr)just before pains started. At time I was unaware of statin side effects could cause. When I realised came off statins and my back to normal self within weeks.
Have now started the avorvaststin and same night had shooting pains in legs managed to sleep for only 2 hours- this went on for next couple of nights so then stopped for 1 night no problem that night
next night tried tablet again and pain again.Stopped next night no pain and managed to sleep.
Can any long term damage eg to muscles be done by taking a short dose before stopping.
I understand that there are alternatives to statins - can anyone help as to good alternatives as I feel I need to approach dr with request as think I must be intolerant to statins. Hopefully there are alternatives with minimal side effects.
Unfortunately family just tell me to man up and take them and are already annoyed I missed taking them couple of times.
One good thing is blood pressure appears to be normal / slighting above normal each day.
Any comments thoughts appreciated.
Written by
Red1973
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I suggest you talk to one of the Cardiac nurses on the BHF helpline, your GP or Cardiologist about why taking a statin is important and the alternatives available.
Sometimes it is a case of finding a statin you can tolerate.
Statins seem to be the cause of so much debate! Some people seem to tolerate them without any problems, other seem badly effected (eg liver problems, Rhabdomyolysis).
In the midst are those with the type of side effects you describe which, anecdotally, seem quite common.
I have seen three cardiologists who are all adamant that a statin will benefit my condition (like you, I have mild atherosclerosis in two arteries). They have also been clear that alternative statin brands and doses are available and that different people tolerate different statins. So, that may be something to discuss with you GP in the first instance.
The reality might be that, in the end, each individual has to make an informed decision on whether the side effects are worth putting up for the potential benefits of the statin.
I would rather not take one but, for now and on balance, I take one because I believe they will help me better manage my heart disease risk.
Here are a couple of articles I have come across that have formed part of my own research (they focus on Rosuvastatin as that is what I’m currently on). Interestingly, the interventional cardiologist who conducted my stress echocardiogram stated that I should take the highest dose I could tolerate. Another stated that I could reduce dosage when my LDL - C was below 1.8 mmol/l.
I’m not trying to advocate statins and don’t pretend any level of expertise. There are knowledgeable people who are anti statin and many who are pro-statin. I’m sure they are all acting in good faith. Rather, I’m setting out my own thoughts in case it helps you.
When I was in hospital with a triple I came out with high cholesterol which I have never had due to the diet in hospital. I have brought it down with low fat diet , Benecol, lots of bananas and apples and porridge. I wonder if the people who suffer muscular pains with statins have a predisposition to arthritis and taking Statins aggravates the problem because I have some friends who have no problems but others suffer horribly.
Hi, I was on Simvastatin, seemed okay at first then and after a year, had full blown Rhabdomyolosis. I was then switched to Rosuvostatin. That was 15 years ago and I've had no further problems as long as the dose is not above 20mg. Consult your GP/Cardiologist to find the right statin and dose for you. If you can find a regime that works for you there is a wealth of evidence that taking them is generally beneficial, but there are other options such as Ezetimibe, if the medics think it appropriate for your condition. Good luck.
Interesting. I had been taking Atorvastatin for high cholesterol for years and it only lowered it by a few points. I came off it recently, thinking that it was the cause of my aches and pains and insomnia but so far, they've continued. Now my doc says to continue it, but I refuse to. I also take Levothyroxine, so it could be that or Atenerol, for my heart. Have heard that statins are poison for the body so am trying to reduce fat and carbs in my diet, despite the fact that I never eat rice, pasta or white bread.
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