Statins and hair loss

[Nicky678]

Hello I've just had an angiogram showing a 60% blockage in my cx artery and moderate blockage in my lad arteryI had a heart mri 2 years ago and it showed clear arteries now they've found this.. very upset and confused ..cardiologist now saying its normal for someone my age I'm 57

I eat healthily don't smoke exercise etc

And a healthy weight. I've been prescribed 40mg of statins per day plus aspirin plus anti angina drug

I was told I didn't need to fast before my recent cholesterol test? Js this correc

I also worry about hair loss and gum problems and muscle weakness...I was diagnosed with alopecia 2 years ago although its stable

Advice anyone..no doctor seems to understand or keep me informed.. I was not told of the statin risks before being prescribed them

Feeling very alone...

[Lowerfield_no_more]

There are many posts on here about cholesterol including the recent one below which you might find useful. My personal view is that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

As far as fasting is concerned most routine tests are now non fasting, but if you are unsure you should check with those who have arranged your test.

And as far as hair loss is concerned as a man who has taken statins for over 25 years my hair loss is no different to that which I would expect. But as we are all different you won't know until you try statins, and that applies to all side effects which actually only affects less than 10% of users to varying degrees. But if you want to check up on side effects, websearch for a patient information sheet on any statin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin or the mostly commonly prescribed statin in the UK atorvastatin.

[Nicky678 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thanks 😊 for your advice...I'll take a look How is your health now?

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to Nicky678]

A lot better than I expected it to be for a septuagenerian 😂

[Taviterry in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Just to confirm what Lowerfield has written. I haven't been asked to fast before a cholesterol test. I can't recall the last time a surgeon/consultant/GP warned me of the risks of medications they were prescribing; I think it's reasonable enough for us to be expected to read the leaflets that accompany pills and see how we get on with them. The challenge is when we're on several pills and may wonder how they're interacting. I've been on statins for years and don't attribute my average hair loss to them.

[Nicky678]

Take care x

[Coffeelover2]

interesting about non fasting as I am told to fast for 12 hours before cholesterol tests. It is worrying but very common to have plaque caused by cholesterol. Statins have been used by millions of people for about 40 years. Their safety profile is good but side effects happen. You could try other meds or decide if the side effects are too much. I would suggest reducing cholesterol is a top priority for you.