Hello all,
Following a recent blood test, I've received a message from my GP saying my cholesterol is a bit high and advising lifestyle changes and offering statins. I'm currently researching statins trying to make an informed decision. I read that it is advised for CVD. I have a leaking heart valve and can't find advice on that or whether that should influence my decision.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Paul
Statins act on the liver to alter the lipid profile to one that is viewed to be more favourable as in lowering the total and reducing the LDL alias bad cholesterol. They also stabilise arterial plaque so bits are less likely to break off causing blockages leading to heart attacks and strokes. They are prescribed globally to millions of people to reduce heart health risk. My guess is that statins will have no effect on your leaking heart valve, but that is a question for a health professional to answer. You can undoubtedly improve your lipid profile by undertaking life style improvements, but the degree of improvement really depends on what you were doing before you changed. And be aware lifestyle changes are for life and as soon as you relax them your lipid profile will go move back to where it was before. Next many people are put off taking statins because they hear about side effects such as muscle pains, but these affect less than 10% of users and sometimes an alternative statin can be prescribed that has fewer or even no side effects. Finally I have been taking statins for 25 years or so without any ill effects, they have improved my lipid profile two fold, and I probably wouldn't be here if I hadn't been taking them.
Thank you for informative reply. I don't drink or smoke and I exercise a lot. My diet is okay, but I probably could make some small improvements. I suppose I was mostly concerned that if I started medication now that I would be on them for life, so it is reassuring to hear that you have been on them for 25 years.
Thanks
Paul
The information below is taken directly from the NHS website and represent current UK thinking on targets for a healthy adult.
Total cholesterol Below 5mmol/L
HDL (good cholesterol) Above 1.0mmol/L for men or above 1.2mmol/L for women
Non-HDL (bad cholesterol) Below 4mmol/L
Target levels for people with known CVD are usually lower.
However if you can get well within those limits by lifestyle improvements alone from your 'natural' levels (and intend to stay with it) then there is a case for not taking statins. But that is a matter for review between you and your GP, especially since you tell us your cholesterol level is only 'a bit' high.
And if it any help in making your decision, my natural cholesterol level is over 9, necessary lifestyle changes, mostly diet, improved it to 6.5 but then it crept back up again as I got fed up with a miserable and inconvenient diet, so then taking 40 mg Atorvastatin reduced it to 5 to 5.5, an increase to 80mg Atorvastatin after my NSTEMI six years ago further reduced it to 4.5 to 5, and recent addition of Ezetimibe gave me 3.8 at the first test result, which I am happy with.
Thank you again for the reply. My total cholesterol is 6.1, non HDL 4.7 and LDL is 4.0, which I believe are all a bit high. Thanks Paul
HDL needs to be high.
Thanks for your reply. My HDL is low I believe at 1.44. It is my non HDL that is higher at 4.7.
Hi Paul. Your LDL is very high and needs attention. In a BHF trial people on the placebo reported more side effects than those on statins. Listen to your doctor, but it seems to me that statins would help you. All the best.
Statins could only give you four more days of life believe it or not. Read Dr. Malhotra’s book A Statin Free Life, he’s a top Cardiologist in the UK, then make your choice, you’ll be surprised.
I made my choice 25 years ago and as far as I am concerned statins have probably kept me alive.
His book is aimed at those with no events or cardiac history. Hidden in it is a statement that those who’ve had a HA, stroke or other events or stents should take their statins. He’s not held in high regard by a lot of his peers and doesn’t actually practise very much as a cardiologist. He is a very contentious figure
Dr Aseem Malhotra is not well regarded by many UK Cardiologists.theguardian.com/world/2023/...
I do not trust Malhotra
Any particular reason, Trevor 29? I've only just downloaded his book onto my Kindle...
The BHF says his advice is misleading and wrong. And that’s just the start of it…
I've been on statins ,(80mg) for last 14 months following HA. No ill effects. Recently reduced to (40mg). Cholesterol now at 1.4.
Hi Paul....I had the same happen to me a few months ago. I was put on the lowest dose statin as a precautionary measure because of my heart problems. I also did lots of reading and asked questions and the 'fors' outweighed the 'againsts' for me. I've had no side effects but I'm sure you will most probably get a few different opinions. I was prepared to follow the advice of my doctor and as with any medication, if I experienced any side effects I would go and have a further chat to discuss other options. Hope you sort it soon. All the best x
Thank you for your reply. The GP message was that I may benefit from statins, which I feel didn't really advise me either way. However, I appreciate they offer them when levels are over a certain threshold and that the view on taking them is a personal one, so I wouldn't expect them to comment any differently. Although I wouldn't have minded if they said that considering my cholesterol levels and Mitral valve prolapse they advised I take them, but I doubt they would want to make my decisions for me 😂
Doesn't exactly fill you with positivity when doctors don't give direct answers does it? I don't know how statins would affect the mitral valve....I had mine repaired pre statins but lowering cholesterol can only be beneficial I would think for any heart problem. If you get put on the lowest dose I would think it will just lower your levels enough to bring you out of the 'warning zone' and you will be monitored with blood tests...I'm just waiting for results from mine x
I'm thinking that perhaps the lowest dose may be worth it and then I can see my levels and discuss it with my cardiologist at my appointment in August. Thanks Paul
Good idea 👍
I've been on them for 5 years now since a heart attack. I couldn't tolerate atorvastatin but can't now remember why. I was changed to simvastatin and it's brought my cholesterol down just within limits along with dietary changes. I get an annual blood test to keep an eye on liver and kidney levels.
Thanks for your reply. I'm only a little bit over the limits, which I suppose is why I'm undecided which way to go. If I was exceptional high I think it would make my decision easier. Thanks Paul
You shoudl try it. Side effects are rare and if you did get any then there are quite a few alternatives. IT's very hard to get it down by diet alone. You could always stop if you changed your mind.
Hi Paul, you're a bit like myself, I've a heart muscle ( left side ) problem pumping blood, not major !, my cholesterol is 6.3, and told I have a mortality rate of 27%, I was asked " IF " I wanted to go on statins, I fail to understand " IF " my thinking is, I need them or I don't !! anyway, they're astovastatin20mg, I was like yourself mulling it over, and reading on Internet, I decided I'd go with them unless I find I have side affects, as yet I'm ok ( 1 month ), I'm still unsure if I called my decision right, the reason is, I couldn't find if statins kill off both the good and the bad cholesterol, I've read we need cholesterol to function, so I wouldn't want to kill off the good, there's also a CQ10 aspect I have a worry over, someone on here may explain, I do understand you though, I'm similar to yourself, decisions lol..
Thanks for your reply colo60. It definitely seems a difficult decision for many people. I think I'm going to give medication a go and see how it goes. I read all about the benefits of statins for CVD, but I would have liked to know if I'm a increased risk because of my prolapsed and leaking heart valve, but that discussion will have to wait until my next cardiologist appointment. Thanks Paul
Hi Paul,
Other than the leaking heart issue which I know nothing about, if You want to get the Cholesterol down, it’s easy! Let me know!
Hi Paul, pre Bypass Op and post Op I was advised to take 40mg 1st of Simvastatin then post Op Atorvastatin daily. I've always been skeptical re the benefits of Statins other than to the shareholders of Pfizer and Co.
Others take a different view and I fully respect their point of view.
As far as my own experience is concerned I suffered a lower left calf strain/tear 4 mths post op. Sadly, one of side effects of Atorvastatin.
Others would point "why didn't you try a different Statin?" Well, they all basically do the same thing and all the evidence I've seen when push comes to shove they are not going to improve one's quality of life or stave off a heart event.
Anyways that's my take and I'm probably wrong! Best advice I can give is do due diligence and then decide a course of action.
Best wishes,
Denis
Hi Paul, My overall cholesterol was 6 and I have been aiming to reduce it by dietary means. My diet was excellent before (my biggest sin being two mugs of decaf coffee around twice a week, and chips if I can, when I go out for a meal). I rarely eat cakes, have little fried food, low sugar intake, eat loads of organic fruit and veg., organic meat once a week, drink green tea, etc. Exercise well. But I have started buttery Benecol and it is delicious and lowers cholesterol. Cinammon also does this and I try to use other spices and foods that lower it too. No hardship for me at all. In a few weeks I will ask for another blood test to see if dietary changes have worked. (Could possibly be genetic reasons of course....) I can let you know if you wish. sam-sam32 (79 yrs)
Thanks for your reply sam-sam32. It sounds like your really doing all you can I reduce your cholesterol. It would be interesting to know what the difference makes. My diet isn't to bad, but I would certainly struggle to be a strict as you and also to maintain it long term.
Hi, Statins can be a touchy topic I've found. (Not sure where the figure of "10%" comes from regarding the number of people affected by side effects from taking them.) Anyway, sam-sam32 has mentioned Benecol as a means of lowering cholesterol, I believe it contains plant sterols. Well, I eat proper butter, however I supplement with plant sterols by "zipvit" on Amzn. Could be worth looking into...
Thanks MoretonCross for the recommendation.
OK _Paul - I'll make a note to let you know how it goes. s-s32
Hi there, I had high cholesterol for quite a few years and was told and told by my doctor that I should go on statins. I refused every time as I was already in tablets for blood pressure and thyroid. Then, I had a heart attack and a blocked artery needing a stent. Should have listened to them. Now in an 80 mg for the rest of my life. No bad side effects. The only downside for me is, I take mine at night and they do tend to make me pee more and I'm up and down to the loo shortly after taking it. Good luck.
Hi Paul, you'll certainly be on a lower dose than 80g. Good luck with it ☺️
I have always suffered from high cholesterol, despite having a 'relatively' healthy lifestyle and weight.
In cases like mine - the only way to lower your cholesterol significantly is through statins.
With your existing issue - if I were in your shoes - I would seriously contemplate statins - they are a miracle drug. But like anything else in life - it is a risk/reward game- but i am confident it is most definitely skewed to the reward side- assuming you can tolerate them.
Thank you for your advice. I'm going to give them a go. Although I can and will try a few adjustments in my diet, I do exercise a lot and don't drink and smoke, so can't really improve anything in those areas.
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