Statins with ckd4?

[googie68]

I've been advised to take 20mg of statins but I am worried about the effect on my kidneys (CKD 4). Has anyone taken them? I know that my renal team wouldn't let me have them if I was in any danger and I understand that I am more at risk for heart failure or attack but would like your experiences with them. Thank you xx

[Hidden]

Statins do effect kidney function. What your Dr's do is mitigate your health, usually without consulting you. We are kind of damned if we do or damned if we don't take them. The choice is what will kill you first and what are you prepared to do to survive as long as possible. I've chosen not to take statins and in doing so taking the gamble that heart problems won't get to me first. I could be totally wrong and find I'm playing Russian roulette with my life, without a crystal ball there is no telling until it is too late. I took the view I can't survive without kidney function but I may survive heart problems. I have no chance of a kidney replacement which has influenced my choice.

[Netty321 in reply to Hidden]

I'm the same, I found taking them gave me palpitations so gave them up! Good luck!

[googie68 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your answer, this also occurred to me. I think I will give them a go and if there are any problems, I can come off of them.

[Glyndwright]

Hi I have taken statins for years 40mg. My kidneys have been for a few years at the stage 4 24 %. Not increased nor decreased in my kidney function.

[PopcornLover1971 in reply to Glyndwright]

Which one do you take?

[Glyndwright in reply to PopcornLover1971]

Simvastain

[googie68 in reply to Glyndwright]

Thank you, that has reassured me.

[kamp in reply to googie68]

I have been on atorvastatin 20mg for many years, it is believed to have a better drug profile than simvastatin.

[RickHow]

Hello. I find I have to disagree with some of the replies you have received. But that is what is good about this forum, it offers differing opinions. Do yourself a simple favor and go to google and enter "atorvastatin with CKD". )atorvastatin is a popularly used statin. You will find many articles (read those from reliable sources because as we all know on the internet we can find a lot of junk). They all say that statins are RECOMMENDED for those in the later stages of CKD, such as yourself. For example:" atorvastatin improved kidney function over time in a dose‐dependent manner. In the 3 treatment groups, kidney function improvement was strongly associated with lower cardiovascular risk."

"In patients with CKD, as in other high‐risk patients, statins have proven to exert a substantial cardiovascular benefit.,"

From the Mayo clinic: "Statins may protect the kidney by reducing lipid levels as well as through nonlipid-dependent anti-inflammatory and vascular effects. ".

NOW this does not mean one size fits all. Your doctor knows you far better than anyone on this forum. I doubt (but do not know) your doctor wants you on statins because of your CKD. But he/she must see that you have some cardiovascular risks that warrant the use of a statin.

Myself I have been on atorvastatin, 80 mg, for YEARS. Before it I struggled to get my lipids into normal ranges. Never did. With it my lipids are not just in normal ranges, but are excellent. The effect on my kidney? Seems to be none as I've maintained the stage 3 level.

Remember something. The majority of people that reach end stage renal disease actually die of cardio vascular problems. You can't just ignore cardio at stage 3 due to fears on effect on the kidney. You should trust your doctor.

Also consider, even if it did affect your kidney(which is HIGHLY unlikely), you would see a decline in your kidney blood work, and could stop taking it then. It is not like it is going to kill the kidney immediately. You would start to see a small decline in your kidney function and could stop it then.

[googie68 in reply to RickHow]

Yes, that's true. I can make sure that I have regular blood work done to keep a check on it, and like you say, if its causing problems, they would take me off them x thank you

[JToups in reply to RickHow]

Great Synopsis & very helpful !!!

[Hidden]

You could always check the fact sheet for any medication to satisfy yourself of the consequences of taking any particular medication.

[MKShazza]

I’ve been on 40mg of simvastatin for over 17 years now when I was then diagnosed at stage 3b. I am still on them now at 14% stage 5. I have family history of heart disease x