Hi, new to this

[Old_bee]

I’m in my late 60s, just starting on statins and a bit nervous about side effects but has to be done. My BP is ok but I have arrhythmia and high cholesterol. Any advice is welcome, thanks.

[Bluecat223]

Hey please take them i was offered statins in early November I am 51 at the end of December I ended up being blue lighted to hospital with a blocked artery and arrested 5 times they might not have helped much as it was only weeks before I refused to take them I am 4 weeks post HA and one stent i take them religiously now

[Old_bee in reply to Bluecat223]

Goodness, I hope you’re doing well now. Took my first last night . My cholesterol isn’t shockingly high but recent palpitations mean action is needed. Thank you for your reply.

[Orcachaser in reply to Old_bee]

That sounds very similar to me. After my husband's recent Heart attack, I didn't think twice about starting on statins when I was told I had elevated cholesterol levels. Prevention is better than treating what could otherwise happen.

[Old_bee in reply to Orcachaser]

I hope you’re both doing well now.

[Knavesmire27]

Hi, I think it is always a bit scary when you go on a new medication but I have been on statins for a number of years and can't really say I suffered any side effects. I take a number of medications which all seem to impact on each other and it can be tricky getting that balance right but put your trust in your doctor and consultant etc and I think the best advice I can give is to not be afraid to ask questions if you do have concerns. To you and me these things are all new but to the professionals, this is what they do. Believe me I do lists whenever I go for an appointment, some trivial, some serious and everything in between. I think sometimes we are scared to ask some questions, but over the last few years,I have found it is better to know and that way your imagination doesn't run away with itself. Because all that does is make you more anxious. I wish you all the best. Take care

[Old_bee in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thank you

[sandandkev]

Hi I'm 67, just make sure you're aware of the side effects,and get bloods tested at 12 weeks to check liver

[Old_bee in reply to sandandkev]

Yes, will do, thank you.

[andybarn]

i was on atorvastatin for 2 years then suffered from leaden legs. So had to change to different statin which cured the problem. Statins known to cause muscle pain for some people.

[Old_bee in reply to andybarn]

That’s my main worry because I struggle to walk far now. Good to know that changing your statins cured the problem. Thank you .

[Partner20 in reply to Old_bee]

The most common statin to he offered first is usually atorvastatin which can cause issues for some people. However, there are several other statins you can be switched to, one example being rosuvastatin, if the initial one prescribed causes any of the symptoms linked to it and listed in the PIL. Keep an eye on how you feel and report any symptoms to your GP. There are non-statin medications, too, if no statin is tolerable, so just monitor the situation and don't worry! Wishing you well.

[Old_bee in reply to Partner20]

Thanks, yes I’m on Atorvastatin. I’ll see how it goes .

[Whiteghost]

Statins shouldn't be viewed as the enemy, to be a scared off, people with heart problems they are our friends. You may have to try out a few to find the most suitable for you. Then you have found a friend for life.🤗

[Old_bee in reply to Whiteghost]

Thank you, good way of looking at it.

[Silvasava]

My cholesterol level has never been an issue but I was put on Atorvastatin automatically after a stroke (fully recovered) I did experience muscle pain in my left hand and requested my doctor if I could reduce the dosage, which she agreed to. I've had no issues, She was also happy to change to another statin.i didn't want to stop completely as they have other benefits for the heart

[Old_bee in reply to Silvasava]

Thank you, good to know and that you’re fully recovered.

[Ewloe]

try and keep an open mind. Don’t get too hung up on is this a side effect or not. Live your life and if something becomes a lot worse or develops consider if it’s a side effect but keep it in perspective. Good luck.

[Old_bee in reply to Ewloe]

Thank you, I will ☺️

[Positif]

I was put on a statin in September after an episode of SVT (heart rate was 210bpm) I haven't had any side effects and a recent blood test showed my cholesterol right down and my liver is fine I agree with previous comments statins are your friend and not to be afraid of Better to take a statin every day than have heart problems or a stroke. If the one you have been prescribed doesn't work for you ask your GP for an alternative Good luck with it all x

[Old_bee in reply to Positif]

Thanks, good to hear.

[pete109]

If you can take them with no or few side effects then good for you, but read the insert leaflet, take note of the possible side effects and take more note of the serious possible side effects, some of them can cause permanent damage, take control of your own health, only you will know if you have memory problems all of a sudden, or muscle pain, breathlessness etc. which could be down to the medication and not the condition you’re taking them for, it’s up to you, it’s you body, your life, realize that GPs have probably hundreds of patients each they’re treating, there’s simply no way that they can concentrate on your condition alone.

[Old_bee in reply to pete109]

sound advice, thank you.

[Qualipop]

Ignore the comments you read about statins. The only people who write about it are those who have or think they have problems; a very small minority. The thousands who don't have problems never post. If one type gives you problems, there are plenty more you can change to. My husband got aching legs on atorvastatin- I didn't but I did get stomach pain. I changed to simvastatin and have no ill effects at all. Rosuvastatin are claimed to have the fewest side effects but there are others t o o. Take them- they do far more to help than just lower cholesterol.

[Old_bee in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you

[Mentdent]

I’ve been talking them for 4 years 80mg Atorvastatin per day. No side effects at all.

[Old_bee in reply to Mentdent]

Thanks, fingers crossed

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Old_bee,

I am currently 68, and I had a heart attack in March 2022. The doctors prescribed Atorvastatin for me that day. I was prescribed 80 mg, which is the highest dosage. I mucked about for awhile with refusing to take the highest dosage—instead my general doctor and I decided to try the lowest dosage. I stayed with the 20 mg for about two months. I wasn’t improving, and felt really rubbish—saw a new cardiologist and agreed to take the middle dosage (40 mg) of Atorvastatin. I am still taking that dosage.

I have read a good bit about statins over this time period—and I have seen a rather huge drop in my cholesterol levels. Overall, I am pleased with what the 40 mg of Atorvastatin has done for me.

What I learned:

(1) If your doctor/cardiologist recommends 80mg (or a high dosage) of your statin following a heart event, then just take it for at least six months. Check your cholesterol levels for improvements.

(2) You can always talk with your doctor after six months and follow-up blood tests about taking a lower dosage of your medication. You will likely be taking statins for the rest of your life, so you will want to use the lowest dosage that gives you good cholesterol results.

(3) All medications have some side effects. The question is really, “Do the benefits of taking this drug outweigh the possible side effects of taking it?” For me, the benefits of taking a statin drug may help me to lower my risk of a second heart attack. That is worthwhile.

(4) If you find that one statin may be causing you excess muscle/joint pain, you can always talk with your doctor and try a different dosage of that medication, or try a whole different statin drug. There are several options available to you.

Try to not be apprehensive about taking a statin. Those drugs can do a great deal of good in lowering your cholesterol levels—but realize that you may need to make some tweaks in terms of dosage or exact drug.

Best wishes to you moving forward! ❤️

[Old_bee in reply to Smitty1956]

Thank you Smitty. I’ve started on 20mg as per my GP’s recommendation. I’m having a 12 lead ECG next week and another blood test plus I’ll be having a 24 hr monitor soon. With all the great responses on here, I feel far more relaxed about taking statins.

Hope you continue to stay well. ❤️