Still on 80mg of Statin

[Chelsea55]

I am 11th week of my post heart attack . I was researching the taking of Statins on the NICE website and my surprise their recommendations that a patient should only be taking 80mgs if the patient is suffering from very high cholesterol or high risk of cardiovascular complications. I have been on 80mg since the day I left hospital, at that time my cholesterol was 4.9 and I had no cardiovascular complications. I don’t think I have slept more than 4 hours a night since the day I left hospital . NICE also adds the 80mg dose should be adjusted at least at 4 weeks intervals. Which is a bit worrying I have been on them for nearly 11 weeks Any comments please .

[Hidden]

Hello, I had a heart attack last September and also on 80 mg statins although I didn't previously have high cholesterol. I asked if I had to take it and was told that research showed better outcomes for those that did. The dose hasn't been adjusted at all and I've not had many medication reviews. Do you take it at night, that's supposed to be the best time.

[Heartattackvictim in reply to Hidden]

Yep that's the same as my experience

[pasigal]

^^This is the current thinking. I'm going to be on 80 mg atorvastatin for a long time, I expect, after cardiac arrest and an HA, with previous stents...but definitely ask your dr. if you have bad side affects.

For the OP: Do you think your sleeping problems are related to the atorvastatin? Are they due to pain/discomfort or anxiety?

[firstlight40]

The generally accepted value for total cholesterol after an HA is under 4 with LDL under 2. So at 4.9 while that was OK before your HA it isn't now. 80mg atorvastatin will reduce your cholesterol by 60% so that's why doses are high. I was 5.6 before my HA and now am at 3.0

[Mentdent]

Me too. Had a stent last March and I’m taking the standard cocktail which includes the 80 mg although my cholesterol was only 2.7 but as I’m but not having any side effects I’ll continue with them.

[trash_panda]

I've been on 80mg for the last four and a half years without any side effects. My cholesterol is 2.3 now. I wouldn't worry about taking them.

[Thongchuay]

The target value for total cholesterol after a HA has been lowered several times and the statistical advantages (mostly directed by the pharmaceutical industry) are not worthwhile if you have severe side effects. After all, cholesterol is needed by a healthy body.

[bertrumbrown]

Sadly I couldn’t handle Atorvastatin at all, after too months the lack of sleep and ability to exercise forced me to stop them. After two weeks waiting for a phone consultation with my doctor the pains and insomnia were reducing greatly. I then had another long wait for another consultation to request a different statin to try. That took another three weeks. In that time I’ve improved so much it is beyond belief. I sleep soundly, I’m cycling 50-60km twice a week, I’m fast waking 8-10k every day. All near impossible when taking the 80mg of Atorvastatin. I still suffered at 20mg. I looked at it this way, if I was to become sedentary and not exercise then that would carry a far higher risk to my health than any benefit of taking them. I’m now looking at a box of 10mg of Pravastatin and debating if it’s even with trying them. 6months ago on the day of of my HA my cholesterol level was 5, at two months in it was 2.6, having been off them for 5 weeks my most up to date test showed 4.1 at a time when my body was working overtime trying to replace those destroyed by the statins! Yes it’s a difficult choice, do your own research and take control of your own health. It’s different for everyone, but in my case maintaining and improving my fitness can’t be done with a pill. I’ll stick with exercise and diet and just hope I’ve made the right choice

[Gibson01]

I was on 80mg for 2 plus years without anyone proposing that it be reduced. It was my local pharmacist who suggested it may cause an interaction with other drugs.

Suggest you ask your GP for your cholesterol to be measured and what the target level is.

[Mac-beats]

Hi, I can relate to your question. Had HA 6 years ago and was on 80mg Lipitor and it made me very fatigued and exhausted. I was left by GPs without any review but did my own research and found that my level of Cholesterol did not need 80mg.I completely overhauled my diet to very low fat plant based and started benecol drinks.

Now on 20mg Atorvastatin and cholesterol hovers around 3.0 level. I should point out I am extremely strict with my diet and don’t drink or smoke. Contact your GP and ask for a review of your medication, you can at the very least discuss your concerns. My own personal belief is that statins are safe but not a magic bullet. Lifestyle factors are important too. The correct diet can definitely lower cholesterol. Good luck.

[Chelsea55 in reply to Mac-beats]

Hi Mac-beats thanks for replying , I so appalled with so many replies where clearly many are taking such a very high dosage of satins without regular blood tests , without questioning it . Even if you have no side effects with taking the statins at the dosage you really don’t know what long term damage you are causing to your Liver. Sadly G.P,s are going to call you inviting you for a blood test . Please everyone look at the NHS site where it actually states blood tests should be taken at three months , six months , then every year . Even the National Institute of Clinical Excellence NICE dosage recommendations state anyone taking 80mg should be carefully monitored . Patient empowerment is key words .

[Mac-beats in reply to Chelsea55]

Hi again 55, totally agree with your sentiments about regular reviews/tests. The problem is many GPs are very lax about this and leave you to your own devices. Best policy is to do your own research and take charge of your own health. It sounds like you’re doing exactly that so I wish you all the very best. I personally think a combination of the right pharmaceutical doses alongside lifestyle factors, principally nutrition,are the key.Good luck friend.

[Lesquatrescentscoups]

I got a lot of information's from Dr Kendrick's blog. He knows a lot about statin research. I am so glad i refused my GP's offer of statins. I didn't ask him about the size of the financial bonus he will get if he gets enough of his patient's on statins.