Hi. I was started on Atorvastatin following my nstemi in Oct 20...in Dec my cardiac specialist stopped my statin to see if it was a contributing factor to my shortness of breath... Within 24hrs of stopping them, my breathing was better... My GP then started me on pravastatin....after only a few days taking one at night, I feel that my shortness of breath is returning..... Has anyone else presented with similar symptoms as all the literature indicates that statins shouldn't cause these symptoms....
Side effects of statins. : Hi. I was... - British Heart Fou...
Side effects of statins.
The same happened to me. The GP told me it was common. After trying various statins and having different side effects I’ve had to stop them completely. I found bisoprolol was also causing breathlessness so was given ivabradine and inhalers. My breathing is better now.
My heart attack was February 2019 and I didn’t know about the trouble with my statins till I mentioned breathlessness to GP who gave me blood test which showed liver damage. I have a number of allergies to medications so it took a while. I got my inhalers in September last year. I was referred to an endocrinologist for my cholesterol but that was cancelled because of coronavirus. I’ve tried diets but just try to balance my eating.
How is the shortness of breath during exercise? As you say it is not normally associated with Statins, maybe you just need to build up your general fitness?
I get SOB on exercise but I'd expect that, post nstemi.....my fitness level pre nstemi was very good.....im a physio and played fottball once a week, coached x 1 weekly and walked the dog x 3 daily......i now get SOB just on talking and there was a definite improvement when off statins for 10 days or so......i think I will speak to my GP and asknif I can come off the new statin and again monitor the symptoms..... My gut feeling is its the statin but I'm not an expert....
Sounds like you have been very unlucky I presume you had some damage to your heart during the MI. Was it caused by atherosclerosis? All I would say is I went through a phase of blaming the statins for all sorts of things but at the end of the day they were not the cause, and I personally feel it might be important for you to keep taking them if it is?
I’ve been really fine with atorvastatin. They get very bad press but they give me a lot of confidence to get on with my life.
I had my bypass in September 2020, and at first no issue with shortness of breath. It is now becoming an issue and I'm seeing the doc next Friday. I am short of breath in the morning, I can't hold my breath at all but I'm exercising daily, running etc. But can get short of breath just walking. I hadn't thought of the statins, I will stop them, they don't do much, and see what happens.
You need to know what your cholesterol stats are before you and your doc take any decisions.
I hope you don't mind me commenting, but your reply does not seem to make much sense to me? I think your comment that "they don't do much" is a bit alarming! I suggest you do a bit of research into these drugs, that were 10 years in the making. Also, I don't understand how you can say you go running and so on daily, yet get out of breath just walking? How can you run if you are out of breath walking? I would urge people not to just stop taking these drugs, which may well be life savers for an individual - most of the supposed side effects are not due to the Statin but will have their roots elsewhere, including the mind. I've been there!
Hi lateguitarist, of course I don't mind. I admit my response was not as well thought through as it could have been.
I was just thinking of stopping for a while to see if there was any noticeable improvement in my breathing and muscle stiffness (not so much pain). It won't harm me to have a couple of weeks off.
😊
I went through same thing - then I realised my legs were aching cos I'm 62 and I was trying to beat 20 year old's at the parkrun! I have researched it a lot and am now convinced they are the best thing for guys like me, and probably you by the sound of it. Like you say though a couple of weeks off wont make a massive difference.
Don’t stop taking your statins Woodsie. They may not be causing your problems and they do a lot more than lower cholesterol. I was happy with atorvastatin at first. In hindsight they gave me a lot of problems but you have to weigh the benefits with the problems.
I get breathless from all statins and also ezotrimble my cardiologist ceased all cholesterol oral drugs and started me on Repatha injections this has been ok so far. I actually had a triple bi pass and aortic valve replacement. Best of luck with everything mate.
Hi,I have tried 3 different Statin drugs and have side effects I couldn't live with and I was told I need to take the Atorvastatin, but I had shortness of breath and felt miserable after about 4 days. There has to be a balance between how You feel and the actual benefit You receive from the medication, at least for me. I try to make the most out of every day, but if I'm feeling horrible, what's the Point?
Good Luck!
Stay Strong,
Dusty 68...
Cheers guys for all your comments. I'll take on board all the comments and discuss with my GP or specialist in due course....