Statins

[Beanlover]

I am in my 70s and discovered to have heart issues at a pre opp assessment for a bowel op. Cardiologist put me on Ramipril, Bisoprolol and a Statin prior to having an MRI and CT Scan. It appears I have a mild systolic murmur and an artery less that 50% blocked. Aspirin now added to medication.I am finding Statins difficult to manage. Switched from Atvorstatin as it made me constipated. Simvastatin at 20mg is still causing constipation and affecting sleeping, waking up several times a night etc. GPs, who are good, haven't come across this before, and I'm not sure they would know what else to try. The trouble is that almost every side effect you can think of is possible. Having had a bowel opp, being constipated is not good. I spent 3 yrs before it on laxatives, and was hoping I had finished with it.

Anyone had similar issues or could give advice?

[Bluehope81]

You just have to keep cycling through the statins until you find one that works, fluvastatin has one of the best side effect profiles, Pravastatin is hydrophilic it is good for muscle cramps as it doesn't concentrate it the muscle tissue,

If you still can't tolerate them, Bempedoic acid and Ezetimbe combination offers around the same protection as statins acting on differing pathways, or if you can't tolerate statins and your cardiologist is really concerned you will be eligible for a PCSK 9 inhibitor which are arguably better than Statins, with a very low side effect profile

[Beanlover in reply to Bluehope81]

Thanks for that information. Trouble is Cardiologist has handed me back to GPs to manage the medication, so it seems to be sorting it out with them. My GP has said my Cholesterol levels were not bad in my last blood test. I'll see how it goes, but thanks for your info.

[Bluehope81 in reply to Beanlover]

The cholesterol being normal is now somewhat a mute point, If you have well defined CAC this will grow exponentially, without substantial lowering of your cholesterol , it would be a travesty if you went back to your doctor and he's not sure but your cholesterol is normal and therefore they just bump you off statins, that would be an awful outcome, if he is not sure then you should be referred back to the cardiologist, or I think in these situations they may not refer but he may call the cardiology department at the end of his patient duties to check the best meds for you.

[Beanlover in reply to Bluehope81]

Having read older comments from others who have ok cholesterol, I recognise the value of statins, given that I obviously have heart disease. I will see how it goes, but maybe discuss possible other kinds of statins further with GP if it doesn't settle. They are very open to discussions.

[Bluehope81]

Superb I was just worried about you. Okay cholesterol is fine if you don't have coronary artery plaque.

[trafar]

I haven’t had an issue with constipation but do have a problem with sleeping since being on the same meds as you. My instruction was to take the ramipril at night and when in hospital they gave it to me last thing so I continued, I have now started taking this about 5ish and my sleeping had been better. Can’t offer any advice on the constipation part. Good luck with everything.

[Hidden in reply to trafar]

That's interesting, might have a go at that. I have never been the world's best sleeper, but retirement has made it easier. Some research suggest statins have no effects on sleep, and it's the opposite of the placebo effect, as in you're expecting it. I noticed that I was waking up a lot and waking for good around 5.30 am, then looked at side effects. The trouble is almost anything can be a side effect.Thanks for the info

[Hidden in reply to trafar]

Sorry to confuse the issue replying Jean 46, rather than Beanlover. I am signed on with another Healthunlocked, and it made me find a new username, but somehow the two have got switched. I don't understand some of the technical stuff.

[RoyMacDonald]

Not sure the statins are to blame. I take statins with no side effects at all.

More likely one of the other meds you are taking? Bisoprolol had the effects you describe on me and I no longer take it.

Have you tried eating more vegetables and less high protein foods?

All the best.

Roy

[Hidden in reply to RoyMacDonald]

It's possible that different statins affect people differently. I did test out by stopping the Simvastatin for a couple of weeks, with GP approval and both bowels and sleeping improved. I carried on with BisoproIol. I do eat a very healthy diet with plenty of fresh veg and fibre. My sister has very similar issues, as did my father. It seems to be a family thing.

[RoyMacDonald in reply to Hidden]

I suggested to the OP it might be the Bisoprol because I never had more than 4 hours sleep a night all the time I was on it, and only started sleeping properly when I came off it, but as you say we are all affected differently. Nothing gives me constipation though, unfortunately, as I suffer from IBS-diarrhea.

All the best.

Roy

[Qualipop]

Try rosuvastatin. GPs are reluctant to prescribe it as it's more expensive but people report far fewer side effects. I su ffer from chronic constipation because of 20 yrs use of opiates for spinal problems and it really is difficult but I don't think my simvastatin is making me any worse.