Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. I'm 63 and I was first diagnosed with Stage 3 CKD in 2019 but only found out about it last year when I was reading through some medical notes. My GP didn't think to mention it 4 years ago! As well as having CKD I also now have high cholesterol. My GP wants to put me on Atorvastatin, a statin to reduce my cholesterol but I'm worried that it's going to have a detrimental effect on my kidneys which I want to preserve at all costs! I raised my concerns with my GP but she said that it would help stabilise my kidneys. Has anyone else had experience in taking statins whilst having CKD? I know that having high cholesterol is not good as it can cause heart attacks and strokes but I'm wondering whether, with a bit more exercise and careful eating, I can reduce it naturally? Grateful for your thoughts. Lynne
High cholesterol and Stage 3 CKD: Hi everyone... - Kidney Disease
High cholesterol and Stage 3 CKD
Hi I am not a proponent for statins with CKD. Doctors are hot to prescribe them. I went on one when I was at stage four. It made me feel terrible, but I had high cholesterol and triglycerides. After five weeks, I went off. Everything came down to a great level and stayed there. I did it with diet and exercise. No red meat, limited protein and fat, lots of veggies.
Thank you. That's very helpful. I thought I might try a 4 week course and review it. Today is Day 1 of taking statins. I don't eat alot of red meat but will now cut it out altogether, limit my fat intake and increase my vegetables, alongside my exercise regime.
Thank you. That's really interesting. I couldn't tolerate statins, they made my mouth really dry. I didn't realise it was possible to take them for a short time, you hear so often that you can't come off them once you're on them.
oh, I should explain, I stopped them, not my doctor. And when we talked about it, I talked with cited information, she agreed to keep me off them. And my numbers have never gone up, only better with diet.
Thank you for clarifying that, it's still interesting to know they can work short term and you can come off them short term without adverse effects.
Pheebee.... they did not work, nothing changed until AFTER I went off.
What about extra virgin olive oil and/or omega 3s... you cut out those good fats?
I did ?? gee I do not think I said that. I said limited fats, which is olive oil.
My apologies, I meant did you also cut those out.
no worries..... any diet that does not include all food group including fats are dangerous.
After massive amounts of personal research, I remain unconvinced about statins with CKD. With ckd 3, my mum has been encouraged by her medics to take statins because total cholesterol's high on her NHS records (albeit relatively stable for ~4y) but has declined.
We believe she's made the right decision to-date. Her high cholesterol is likely due to her ckd and/or high protein leak (see 1st link below - which also indicates statin uncertainties with ckd) or maybe post-menopause. Cholesterol increase is generally an indicator of medical conditions which probably wont resolve just because its suppressed by statins.
Research also indicates statins could cause problems mum can well do without including increased albuminuria and diabetes (a key ckd cause). See 2nd, 3rd links below.
Whilst we dont "buy" the lipid hypothesis for cvd, my dad (no ckd) did try statins for 1y many years ago but found that a Nutritional Therapy protocol improved key cholesterol ratios better so he stopped the statins. A liver marker did increase markedly after statin use but has since corrected. So ensure your GP tests all your relevant liver and kidney markers.
kidney.org.uk/cholesterol-a...
My GFR 3b (31) has been stable for several years now. I also have high cholesterol. My primary doctor prescribed Pravastatin ( 10 mg at first, then 20 mg a few months later) about a year and a half ago. My kidney doctor went along with this. So far, I've had no problems with this medication. My labs have essentially stayed the same over this period of time with slight improvement in the cholesterol. My next labs will take place at the end of the month and I'm hoping no GFR change will take place. BTW I am aware of the literature about statins and kidney disease but i am just wishing for the best. Hope this information helps. For the record, I do not have diabetes and my BP is controlled with Valsartan HCL and Metoprolol.
I'm still monitoring my situation and a lot may depend on the actual statin. My primary doctor said he believes Pravastatin has the least side effects all around. I will report back to this group if there is any changes.
I feel like I have no choice but to take them. The kidney transplant program made me start taking one. "preventative" - my cholesterol isn't high.
Hi Lynne, welcome to the forum! It's understandable to be concerned about statins affecting your kidneys. Many have found success managing cholesterol through diet and exercise.
Have you considered discussing alternative medications or lifestyle changes with your GP?
Many thanks Benjamin for your reply. I think in my case it's more of a hereditary one. All my family have been on or are on statins. I do a fair amount of exercise (swimming, cycling and walking) and whilst I could probably improve my diet, I've always eaten a fair amount of fruit and veg. But I'm sure there's room for improvement!
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