Please help... I would love to get some answers and advice on high cholestoral and simvistatin.. I would appreciate any advice..............

[Sherryh]

I am a smoker... Is it true that smoking reduces the effects of simvastatin.. As I am on 10 mg as my cholestoral is 7.4...

[gilreid1]

Not being a medically trained person but not sure if smoking effects simvastatin but smoking does contribute to heart disease as well as lung disease kidneys and liver. Your cholesterol is high and again smoking will be a factor. So in short stop smoking and give any medication a chance

Gil

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Not directly but smoking makes your LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) 'stickier' – so it clings to your artery walls and clogs them up. Smoking lowers your levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind), which normally takes cholesterol away from the artery walls. It's your decision but I strongly recommend that you give it up!

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Totally agree with the other comments (says the man who stopped smoking exactly 900 days ago). The consultant in hospital did impress upon me that in his opinion, the single most important thing to do post heart attack was to stop smoking, and for the first time ever I actually did what I was asked to do as regards smoking!

[0163SLH]

Smoking is probably the MAIN reason I'm in this bloody mess . Not worth it ! My cholesterol was 7.9 - 4wks after giving up it was 3.4 !!!! Now that speaks volumes . Its hard not gonna lie but not worth your life ! I also managed to buy a new car with money I don't spend on nails for my coffin. Will be the Best decision you ever make.

**steps down from soap box**

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Now you have had a day to absorb the initial replies I am afraid I have more bad news. Most people are familiar with CVD (Cardio Vascular Disease) which affects the major coronary arteries. There is also PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) which affects the limbs, mainly the legs. The reduction in blood flow can lead to issues such as ulcers and gangrene. The two main causes of PAD are diabetes and smoking (in fact it is often referred to as "smokers leg"). With your raised cholesterol (no idea if you have diabetes) I would give up smoking pdq!

I do speak from experience as last year after a lifetime as a Type 1 diabetic I had my left leg amputated just below the knee. Trust me it's not a place you want to go!