Side effects of statins.

[Tallaghthoop]

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....

[Maisie2014]

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.

[ling in reply to Maisie2014]

So u are not on any cholesterol meds?

Thank you

[Tallaghthoop in reply to Maisie2014]

Thanks for that info....how long did you have to trial around your meds before finding the correct mix for you??

[Maisie2014]

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.

[Hidden]

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?

[Tallaghthoop in reply to Hidden]

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....

[Hidden in reply to Tallaghthoop]

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?

[COYW]

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.

[Wooodsie]

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.

[COYW in reply to Wooodsie]

You need to know what your cholesterol stats are before you and your doc take any decisions.

[Hidden in reply to Wooodsie]

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!

[Wooodsie in reply to Hidden]

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.

😊

[Hidden in reply to Wooodsie]

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.

[Maisie2014]

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.

[Wok51]

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.

[Hidden]

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...

[Tallaghthoop]

Cheers guys for all your comments. I'll take on board all the comments and discuss with my GP or specialist in due course....