Statins for heart failure

[Isobel1]

I was diagnosed with heart failure caused by high BP over 20 years ago, but it was mild. 2 years ago, I had surgery for an aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic aneurysm.. At a recent medication review, one of the GPs in my practice, who I don't particularly trust, from past experiences, said I should be on Statins as I had heart failure.

He said my Cholesterol levels are within normal limits .

I've read mixed reviews about statins for heart failure , and neither my heart surgeon or Cardiologist have suggested it. What are peoples views or experiences on taking Statins for this reason ? Thanks in anticipation .

[bagsypartime]

Most of us get them as a matter of course and there are medics who say anyone over forty.

My cholesterol is highish and i'm at risk so there are clear benefits for me.It is supposed to stabilise plaque.

You've picked an emotive topic with strong views for and against.Are there benefits for someone with low or normal cholesterol ? I don't know.

I look forward to the views of others

[Hidden]

Hi, I take the view that if my Cardiologist or Heart Failure Team recommended taking Statins I'd probably take them as they are the experts. However, I'd be speechless if they took that decision.

As far as I'm concerned my GP is only there to provide the scripts, not to decide on the heart meds.

[bagsypartime in reply to Hidden]

My GP decides my meds.I have been handed back after CABG.I took a blood test and then had a phone consultation with some kind of Locum who asked how they could help me and i had to explain to them that i had had a blood test and they were to review my meds and before that i had had a heart bypass operation and that they had texted a request that i make an appointment with them.By the time i'd explained all this the phone call was over.The blood test said i was anaemic and had some problem with my kidney.

I think i will have to get a printed copy of the blood test and google the values to see what they mean and make any appropriate adjustment to the meds myself and try and follow up on the kidney to see if there is anything i can do.

As to prescribing statins back in the beginning i had angina symptoms and was referred to cardiology, this was a phone call with a nurse(not a cardiology nurse she explained just filling in) who asked questions.She put me on statins and aspirin.I think that's standard procedure.

[Hidden in reply to bagsypartime]

It seems to be 'horses for courses' depending where you sit on the heart spectrum.

I appreciate, that for many people they are cut-loose by Cardiology and have no choice but to go with their GP.

For someone like me who has had multiple valve surgeries (still with regurgitation), with a pacemaker, complete heart-block, AF, a Shunt, Haemolytic Anaemia caused by my two Mech Valves, and now Heart Failure, my GP has little to offer from that perspective, so it's the Cardiologist. Besides they wouldn't want that responsibilty and I'm fortunate that I've been seeing this particular cardiologist since 1995, once or twice a year, so I have wholehearted trust in him.

Don't get me wrong the GP does have a part to play with bloods, as I'm also CKD Stage 3b and have issues with potassium levels. No doubt when I'm discharged by the Heart Failure Team, BP, HR readings etc, will also revert back to the GP, but Med changes still go back to the Cardio.

[bagsypartime in reply to Hidden]

You know a lot more about than i do.I am on a beta blocker and an ace inhibitor which i don't see the need for.I'm on an iron tablet that doesn't work.The registrar said they like people on them for at least a year.I still don't see the need.

I can stop taking them and my statin but my GP would never sanction this because they must follow NICE guidelines (as do surgeons).

[Isobel1]

Thanks everyone xx

[IanMK]

I’m recovering from heart failure and had a pacemaker fitted in 2019. My cholesterol readings are in the normal range so I declined my GPS offer to go on a statin about 18 months ago. However, a routine angiogram showed some plaque in my arteries so the cardiologist recommended I started on a statin. This seemed reasonable to me so I agreed. After a few months, my blood tests were suggesting liver damage so, in agreement with my GP, I stopped the statin a week ago.

[Beaududley]

My understanding is that statins also stabilise any plaque in arteries. I am on a high dose of statins with no problems.