Liver function and Atorvastatin

[Yogi1950s]

Hi all,

I had a heart attack in November 2021 and part of the cocktail of medications I was given was Atorvastatin 80mg one per night.

Prior to my heart attack, in May 2021, I had an age related "MOT" including a liver function test. On that occasion my serum alanine aminotransferase levels were 17 U/L (recommended level being between 10 - 49).

This week I had my 3 month post heart attack liver function test and the level has leapt up to 65!

Since my heart attack I have cut down drastically on drinking alcohol and have quit smoking. The only other change I have made to my life/lifestyle is taking the meds.

Has anybody else noticed a similar response to taking Atorvastatin? If so, what response (if any) was forthcoming from the medics?

Many thanks in anticipation

YOGI1950s

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

My Atorvastatin was reduced to 40mg from 80mg as my liver didn't like it! Absolutely fine now! LFT values all OK. Fingers crossed it stays so 🤞

[Yogi1950s in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank You for your reply. I will seek second opinion probably from my cardiologist and see what happens

[Hidden]

Dear Yogi1950

I second MichaelJH and had the same problem on the 80mg, the liver function tests went back to normal after the Atorvastatin was reduced to 40mg taken at night.

Give your heart team/ Drs a quick call they may have overlooked your results or at lest will give you a reason for it.

I am not medically trained but I think your on the right track with your thoughts on the statin.

Take care

[Yogi1950s in reply to Hidden]

Hi Blue,Thank you for your reply.

I will definitely seek a second opinion probably from my cardiologist rather that a GP.

[marypw]

Yes, atorvastatin raised my LFTs after just one month, so I was switched to simvastatin with no further issues.

[Yogi1950s in reply to marypw]

Hi MaryThank you for your reply. I will seek a second opinion from my Cardiologist rather than my GP .

[GFFF]

Hi Yogi, after 2 months my LFT hit 138 so stopped for a month and now on Ezetimibe. There is an acceptance for LFT to reach 105 ( 3 times the upper range ) but any more which is quite rare and they recommend allowing liver to recover then trying a new drug.

[Hidden]

Hi. About 6 weeks after HA my LFT hit 150. Atorvastatin stopped immediately and not replaced. About a month later LFT dropped to put on reduced dose of Atorvastatin. After one week LFT back to 150 mark. Again Atorvastatin stopped - permanently this time - and no substitute given. Bisoprolol was also stopped after 6 weeks. Not sure why. I had STEMI and I honestly think they believed I must drink lots of alcohol ! I don’t ! I sometimes have a glass of something on a special occasion and on summer holiday but that’s it. So our bodies are strange and react differently to meds but statins di have reputation- however they definitely help a lot of people! Hope you get sorted

[Soppybat]

I suggest you read “A Statin Nation” by Dr Malcolm Kendrick and “A Statin Free Life” by Dr Aseem Malhotra…..

[Yogi1950s in reply to Soppybat]

Having looked both up, Malhotra in a consultant cardiologist whilst Kendrick is a "statin skeptic".Does either say there is a reasonable adjustment (not a fundamental "root and branch" upheaval) to lifestyle that will reduce the risks for someone who has already had a heart attack?

I am of an age where some of life's guilty vices are enjoyable and are deserved. I also accept that I won't (and in many ways don't want to) live forever.

[Bee2cards]

My hubby was given as to Atorvastatin after his heart attack and triple heart by pass he was on 80 mg but had to have them reduced to 40mg as it effected his CK levels and liver function still had probs so now down to 20 mg