Stanin side effects

[Sheila1950]

I have asked the doctor to try me on a lower dose atorvastatin as the high dose of 80mg gave me night cramps so painful , tried Ruvastatin that gives me bad joint pain I'm just worried if I've done the right thing as my heart attack was mild due just over a year ago, had a partially blocked artery and don't want to put myself at

any risk again , he is trying me on 20mg Atorvastatin and to have a blood test to check my cholesterol levels, gone back on my healthy living plan to lower my cholesterol just hoping that's enough to keep it down.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hi... It is often forgotten that statins have other actions besides lowering cholesterol. These include reducing inflammation, often a precursor to plaque formation, and stabilising any existing plaque. This means even a low maintenance dose is preferable to none. I was started on Simvastatin and changed to Atorvastatin because of muscle aches and pains. The Atorvastatin dose was upped to 80mg post bypass but my liver screamed "Arghh" but is happy with 80mg.

Vitamin C is also good for preventing inflammation. Its beneficial effects on blood vessels was noted centuries ago which lead to sailors being given lime juice to prevent scurvy. ⛵

[Maisie2014]

You’re quite right about reducing inflammation Michael. I didn’t suffer so much from my arthritis when I was on statins but the other side effects (liver damage, night cramps, nightmares, diarrhoea to name a few) were just too much for me.

[Pollypuss]

As I’ve said in my previous post I can’t tolerate statins . So only on aspirin . Something I have noticed after my bypass. 1. I don’t have hardly any migraines and I used to have lots. 2. I had dreadful pains in my shoulders (tendinitis )which stopped me playing tennis . Now that pain has gone also. I am however very strict about what I eat . So I shall just continue with healthy food and tons of exercise

[Peileen]

I have been on Atorvastatin for over a year. I am happy to take it. A friend of 59 died two years ago of a sudden heart attack. He had refused statins because of the interraction with grapefruit.

[Sheila1950 in reply to Peileen]

I am sorry to hear that , I am not going to come off of them but trying a lower dose atorvastatin 20mg instead of 80mg as it gives me awful night cramps . so the dr plan is to check my cholestrol in 6 - 8 wks then take it from there can't take Ruvastatin as that makes me ache I can barely walk I have Ezetimibe you can take along side statins.