I've never taken statins. First, my GP said to take them to lower my cholesterol. But my cholesterol is naturally very low, I said. Is it, he replied, let's have a look. He scrolled down my file on his computer. Oh yes, he said, so it is. Then he said statins were recommended for diabetics, among other groups, and turned his computer round to show me the email he'd had (from NICE?) which certainly had "diabetes" amid a long list. Is that type 1 or 2, I asked (I'm type 1). He didn't know. I passed!
Later (age 66), I discovered I had some blocked arteries around my heart which weren't able to be stented, so was given a triple bypass. The doctors in the hospital said I ought to go on statins to lower my cholesterol. I had the same conversation about my low cholestetol. Then a young doctor with the group said "Pssst" and jerked his head to indicate he wanted to speak privately to me. Yes, statins do lower cholesterol, he confirmed, but the reason to take them was for their "pleiotropic" or anti-inflammatory effects. Like aspirin was discovered to do other things than reduce pain, statins were found to reduce inflammation. He checked all the time to make sure no one was listening, before scuttling off. I decided then and there simply to eat healthily (LOTS of anti-inflammatory green leafy veg, fruit, fish, olive oil and nuts), exercise, keep my BP and weight low, continue never to smoke and take my aspirin every day. With my diabetic related myopathy and neuropathy (I've been a diabetic for 63 years), I'm running no risk of any muscle pain or weakness from statin side-effects. I am now 73. PS: 75% of people who have heart attacks do not have high cholesterol levels (International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2019). Just like me!!!!!
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I have been Type 1 nearly as long as you and had a quadruple bypass in 2018. All the male side of the family died prematurely from heart attacks, but my useless GP would not take my concerns seriously. I also had a LBKA (Left Below Knee Amputation) as after being referred to Vascular in autumn 2019 I only got an appointment in April 2020 which got cancelled because of "you know what" (the moderators tend to delete posts using the word). I finally got seen in late July with half my foot necrotic and developing sepsis!
I am on a statin (40mg Atorvastatin) but was changed from Simvastatin after it caused muscle aches. Sometimes I sit in my wheelchair (prison) wondering if earlier aggressive statin treatment may have saved my leg. There are numerous statins and doses and usually one to suit everyone.
The other cause of narrowed arteries is raised Lp(A). Like you my cholesterol has never been raised. My GP refused me the test saying it was researchy.
One vascular surgeon (when I had my amputation) forever encountering "I don't want to take statins as the neighbour of a friend had awful side effects!" from people with already serious conditions like PAD said he was concerned that the internet could slow medical progress because of idiots posting unverifiable rubbish!
And of course people react differently to medications. At one time I was taking eight Tramadol a day yet know people who become zombies after one!
Exactly. Statins have never given me aching muscles. So many people complain about bisoprolol. I am on 10 mg bisoprolol - as well as other heart meds and meds for neuropathy, GORD etc- and they don't make me a zombie. These meds are what is keeping me stable. I do tend to fall asleep off and on when sitting in my chair working on my laptop or watching TV, but that's probably normal for an 83 yr old with sleep apnoea. 🤗
It is already well known that statins have many benefits. These include the lowering of cholesterol (particularly LDL), stabilisation of existing plaque and reduction of irritation (often a precursor to plaque formation).
Today I restarted the course of dental treatment that was put on hold following my admission to hospital. Statins have been found to reduce gum inflammation, or periodontitis, that can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. My father never had a filling despite a sweet tooth but lost all his teeth to gum disease a few years before his fatal heart attack! Before OHS one needs a sign off for tooth and gum health as infection can cross to the heart particularly where valve surgery is involved. So it seems even a low dose statin is a win-win for us hearties!
It is always odd when someone comes on this forum and in their first post beats a drum to try to be controversial or antagonistic. Feels like there is an agenda ….
Years ago my diabetic specialist recommended statins, my gp who was so outdated, she refused to use a computer, said I'm not putting you on that rubbish. Not long after, I had a heart attack. My cholesterol has always been on the low side, but not low enough for a diabetic. I changed doctors, I wanted to get the best care, not someone's personal opinion. I'm on the lowest dose because of pain, and soon will need to do more, as time goes on. But then this is my choice, everyone is different. Take care. Moni
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