Confused about Statins

I'm probably just ignorant re- the benefits of Statins, but, I'm a bit confused following an appt with GP practice Pharmacist.

I received a text saying they'd like to discuss my Cholesterol and a medicine for improving my heart and kidney health. I'm still under the care of the Heart Failure Team, so was a bit surprised by the text. As it happens I was called in as they were carrying out an overview of patients with CKD, so, they were being proactive. It was also a bit odd that as far as I knew my bloods had never been tested for cholesterol.

At the appt, the Pharmacist talked through the benefits of taking a statin, not so much for my heart which would be incidental, but, for my kidneys. Given that I'm now Stage 4 CKD with an eGfr of 27, it's not something that I can ignore, so, I'll discuss with the HF Team next week.

I'm hoping to come off Furosemide, as I think that's hammered my kidneys recently, which should help matters, and if a statin can help further, that can only be a good thing or is it?

I've been struggling lately in any case, and I dont particularly want to be bounced into another medication when I'm not thinking as clear as I would like.

Hopefully the HF Team can explain better.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

If they are suggesting a statin would be beneficial then I would try it

I hope you manage to get the all clear to come of the other med that you feel has not helped your kidneys if you feel it has had a big impact on them that would be a positive

I am sure though they would not suggest a statin if they did not think it would benefit you and you could give it a try see how you feel and it can always be reviewed again if you were not happy with it

Give it some thought maybe you could get to ask your Heart Failure Team what they think ?

When you decide what you want to do let us know how you get on x

[Hidden in reply to BeKind28-]

Thanks.

The odd thing is that over the past couple of years I've not once second guessed any meds I've been put on. Had it been the GP that I saw, I'd probably have just got on with it.

[BeKind28- in reply to Hidden]

Hello

Maybe without realising it that is why you did question it as it was not the GP who you may think knows more than the pharmacist and it threw you a little x

[MountainGoat52]

I hope you get an answer to your question. I've personally not found statins to have any effect on my eGfr which sits around 50 and has done since I fell and damaged my right kidney back in 2010. However, there may be other benefits, though I've never had any advice in relation to this.

[Palpman]

I don't know about statins and kidneys but recent research has shown the benefits they have for Afib.I quote from the MedScape website:

Compelling evidence from the majority of the studies reviewed shows that statins exhibit a protective effect against the occurance of ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation.

[EMBoy]

Pharmacists know about drugs, but they're not medically trained, so I would insist on an appointment with your GP and/or a nephrologist before deciding.

Personally, I wouldn't touch statins with a bargepole, but that's just my opinion.

[Freedomfan in reply to EMBoy]

I wouldn't either. Let's get back to natural diet. USA, the most prosperous country yet the most unhealthy. It's because everything is processed and laden with chemicals. Heart disease began to rise with the introduction of fake fats. Crisco, margarine, canola oil, corn oil.....any oil highly processed with heat and chemicals your body has no idea what to do with it.

Check out Dr Berg on YouTube. He talks about how our bodies work, what we need and why everyone is so sick.

[Hidden]

A quick update.

Following discussions with various medical personnel, I've decided to go go ahead with the option of taking a Statin.

HF team have also decided it's in my best interests to remain on Furosemide for now.

Thanks for responses.