Statins???

[juneybells]

Hi I have a question I'm hoping some of you might have an opinion on.

I have SLE autoimmune hepatitis and arthritis. My rheumatologist has written to me GP suggesting I take statins giving no reason for this. Blood pressure is normal never had a problem with it. Colesteral is fine. I'm reluctant to start taking any more meds but GP is pushing me. Any thoughts would be welcome

June

[custardpot]

statins are usually for high colestral I used to take them but now refuse as they can cause more problems than good. Cannot understand why you are being put on them.

Ask the reason

[juneybells in reply to custardpot]

That's my thoughts exactly apparently there is a q score that is calculated using blood pressure height weight etc. Rheumatologist made my score 27. Went to GP today and made them re rerun the test and it came out 12 so I declined the statins just need to loose a bit more weight to get my score under 10 xx

[KayHimm]

Statins are used as a preventative for cardiovascular disease in many patients. I have normal cholesterol levels and take two cholesterol-lowering drugs. You have to know the whole picture. Sounds like you have a good rheumatologist. I see a preventative cardiologist with lots of knowledge in this stuff, so I am confident there is good reasoning behind your doctor’s decision.

Good luck.

K

[juneybells in reply to KayHimm]

I do think Iam lucky that i have a good rheumatologist but couldn't understand why he thought i needed statins as he never discussed this with me just wrote to my GP. It seems that he used the wrong information to get a Q score and came up with a score of 27 when I fact my score us only 12 so I dont need them yet. Really pleased about this xxx

[Roarah]

There is evidence that statins can lower inflammation, CRP, and lupus activity. I too take statins even though, in my cardiologist's words, my cholesterol levels are " ridiculously low." ard.bmj.com/content/77/9/e60

[juneybells in reply to Roarah]

That's good to know thank you.

[KayHimm]

As Roarah says, statins have other properties. You may have certain antibodies that put you at greater risk for some things. They are looking at the whole picture. If they tell you to take them, I would advise you take them. It is the responsibility of the doctor to weigh the benefits against the risks.

My LDL is forced down to 55. I have had no progression of carotid artery sclerosis after three years. I am happy to take my meds.

K