Impact of Statins: Hi everybody, I... - British Heart Fou...

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Impact of Statins

Beckster1964 profile image
22 Replies

Hi everybody, I thought you might be interested in the impact statins have had on my cholesterol levels. I've been taking 80mg Atorvastin for 5 months - I had a blood test 2 months prior to starting and just had another test this week:

I'm particularly pleased with the reduction in LDL and the increase in HDL. I had a couple of stents fitted in July and so hopefully getting my cholesterol under control will help keep me going!

Have a good weekend everybody.

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Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964
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22 Replies
Gumbie_Cat profile image
Gumbie_Cat

Great result!

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply toGumbie_Cat

Thanks. Yes, before my ‘problems’, to be honest I was a bit sceptical about Statins, but I’ve been convinced by the views of my Cardiologist and now these results! Thankfully, so far no side effects 👍👍.

Gumbie_Cat profile image
Gumbie_Cat in reply toBeckster1964

I’m lucky not to need them so far, but would take if they’re ever advised.

Thank you for your post have been advised to go on stating after my heart op last Yr was concerned about taking more tablets but shall do now

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply to

Appreciate your feedback.

KaduFlyer profile image
KaduFlyer

Wow - I was speaking with a nurse at my cardio rehab about cholesterol, more specifically HDL and she said the only way to increase it is exercise and at 1.4 your probably around peak levels as, apparently anything over that, the benefits are minimal. But to get your LDL down from 4.4 to 1.6 is fantastic - any change to diet along the way?

I’m down from 6.2 to 3.1 but my HDL lingers around 1.1 but as I’m now in cardiac rehab sessions and starting to build up my exercise regime, hopefully I can nudge that up a touch.

Well done on your results 👍

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply toKaduFlyer

Thanks for feedback. I haven’t changed diet much at all to be honest - it was pretty ‘good’ before problems - mainly veg etc. I have been exercising quite regularly since stents in July - running/jogging 3-4 times a week. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I should have acted upon elevated cholesterol levels 5 plus years ago. Unfortunately, I was in the mindset of ‘I don’t want to take any drugs unless I really have to’. You live and learn!

Good news on getting yours down by one-half!

KaduFlyer profile image
KaduFlyer in reply toBeckster1964

Oh well - I’m the same age as you and had a similar mindset but after what we’ve been through we’re lucky to be able to adjust our lifestyle accordingly and move on - I always exercised but was / am too fond of beer and curry - now it’s red wine with food and tandoori dishes with salad / veg - just as tasty but certainly more healthy - good luck and keep going.

Seasid profile image
Seasid in reply toKaduFlyer

Why is curry not good? I really like Thai Red and green curry.

DWizza profile image
DWizza in reply toSeasid

Check out BHF re coconut oil, it’s not considered beneficial at all , doesn’t have a good rep.

I also love Thai food but have kicked it into touch. Cook my own curries and dal but healthier versions . Once in a while won’t hurt I’m sure but I was having a Thai curry every Saturday night.. no more .

70Percent profile image
70Percent in reply toDWizza

You and me both mate.

Love a curry and used to have cans upon can of coconut milk in the cupboard.

Had to learn some new tricks ..

Avagra profile image
Avagra

I’m on 80mg Atorvastatin and Aspirin and all bloods have shown normal,good luck !

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply toAvagra

Thank you!

Puscifer23 profile image
Puscifer23

Great news and a big relief for you I bet. I’m in a similar situation with familial high cholesterol and after a 5 1/2 week stay in hospital (and CABG surgery) my LDL s were way down on previous levels and I’m currently on 40 mg statins awaiting a medication review. All the best

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply toPuscifer23

Many thanks - will be interesting to see whether GP decides to reduce my dose down to 40mg.

Puscifer23 profile image
Puscifer23 in reply toBeckster1964

To be fair I was put on Amioderone due to some AFib after surgery which can produce statins which is why my statins were cut from 80 to 40. Amioderone is not very nice so hopefully I can get it dropped after meds review and go back to 80mg for the statins - the AFib has settled down thankfully as it was not pleasant.

Chinkoflight profile image
Chinkoflight

Great results, thanks for posting. It's so good to see real metrics and like you on a day to day basis including 3-5 runs a week I have no side effects.

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply toChinkoflight

Thanks!

Smitty1956 profile image
Smitty1956

Hi, Beckster1964,

Wow! Those numbers (in terms of change) look impressive!

I am really happy that you have had such a positive outcome from having had the stents placed and from taking the Atorvastatin. Hopefully, you are also feeling stronger and better in general.

I wish you the best going forward, and keep on rocking! 😃👍

Beckster1964 profile image
Beckster1964 in reply toSmitty1956

Thanks, yes, like many on here have commented, getting a diagnosis of Atherosclerosis, particularly at a relatively young age (59😜), and having been a keen sportsman for most of my life, is quite a shock. To be honest, I ignored the symptoms of Angina for many months, hoping it was a muscular problem in my shoulder/arm after 40 plus years of playing squash. The Stents have made a huge difference - now running with none of the previous pain and definitely feeling fitter. Compared to many on here, I think I have been lucky - LAD was 90% blocked and I could have had a HA/Stroke, damaging my heart.

Will certainly keep on rocking!

KaduFlyer profile image
KaduFlyer

I was a prawn vindaloo man so the ghee and ‘stuff’ is not great when you’re eating it once a week (ish).

Oatmilk123 profile image
Oatmilk123

All best wishes for a long and peaceful life Beckster1964Oatmilk123

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