I have had all major heart tests : CATscan, Cardiac MRI, Angiogram, as well as ECGs and blood tests this past year. The scans and angiogram came out completely clear. The doctor at the angiogram called my arteries "pristine"! And yet I have had high cholesterol (7+) sometimes going down to 5 for the last several years. My ECGs show an inverted T Wave on a regular but inconsistent basis and some of my bloodwork (besides cholesterol) comes outside the norm.
Sometimes I have had chest pains during or after exercise.
The cardiologist discharged me from the service to the care of my GP, with the instructions to "vigorously address" any issues related to cardiac problems.
I was also sent for an abdominal scan, which revealed some fatty liver and small gallstones. Thus the probable cause of my ambulance ride to A&E in January and why I had an angiogram, because it felt like a heart attack and I responded to sublingual nitro and had those crazy T waves.
My GP now wants me to take statins. I want to really concentrate on lowering my bad cholesterol naturally. I understand that statins can, among other things, affect your liver! If I already have some sort of liver issue but my arteries are "pristine", why should I take statins? AND can high cholesterol have any other negative affects besides plaque? Phew! Sorry for the long post, but I am truly baffled! Thank you
Very good question!, When I asked a similar question, I was told I need to bring my cholesterol down and the stating will undo all the damages so far done?
Any way few tests and cardiologist appointment, Do I need statin, the answer came no not at the moment and this was 6 years ago. took statin for two weeks and cholesterol came down to 2.8, and side effects. No more statin. So far all OK. Only time will tell.
Please ask your GP for a risk analysis. and a full explanation and how taking statin can help you. You may want to consider regular exercise and watching out for free and hidden sugar in food and drinks.
By the way did NHS do all the above mentioned tests?
Thank you! Very helpful. Yes, all the tests were on NHS. It sounds like I have been incredibly fortunate with the response and treatment. Maybe because I live in London? What government cuts and privatisation have done to our beloved health service!