Statins?

[Paper Plane]

I have recently had a blood test to check my cholesterol levels. The results are fine and my good outweighs the bad.

However, the quack contacted me and we had a discussion about statins and how, at my age, 73, it might be worth my while taking them to help(?) my heart. We agreed I would consider it and I would look into the matter and decide.

My initial reaction is not to bother as it would be a “for life” commitment and is it really necessary? However, I will look at all the angles.

Anyone here have any thoughts either way?

Thanks

steve

 

[Smiffy]

I take statins and have done so for a few years, they have helped reduce my levels to acceptable.

It is a lifetime medication although they are easy to take and I have no side effects, the admin is helped by free prescriptions and my doctors website has a facility where I can just order repeats, they are authorised and then my pharmacy has a notification and they deliver to my home.

It is trouble free, no bother.

If a professional says to you 'this is a good idea' then I usually do as I am told.

 

[Holyzeus]

I’ve been on them for nearly a year now.
My Cholesterol levels are now amazing although I have lost a lot of weight recently.
Can’t say I’ve noticed any side effects tbh

 

[Vacumatic]

I guess that you shouldn't do trades in health care.

For example I really like the foods that are bad for your cholesterol levels, cheese, red meat, dairy and pastry. If I could eliminate those temptations that perhaps I wouldn't need statins.

Bottom line is you don't mess around with your heart, you don't want to be at the Pearly Gates listening to down below and hearing daughter say , 'I wish he had started taking statins back in 2025'.

 

[Northam Saint]

Been on them a while now all good, lowered cholesterol level and no side effects. Did have to go on a higher dose but all is good with regular blood tests. If the quack says do it, do it and look after that heart.

 

[TobyC]

Been taking one for 24 years, keeps the arteries flowing, no ill effects.

 

[chazt]

I started with Lipitor many years ago and after a time experienced one of the side effects that were referenced in the tv commercials. The sudden onset of awful shin cramps in the middle of the night became unbearable. It was the second most painful physical experience I’ve ever had. Maybe third. My bilateral knee replacements weren’t as painful as the Lipitor induced cramps. The moron doctor switched me to Crestor. After a time the same thing happened. I went to a different doctor. He advised me to take a daily CoQ10 supplement with a glass of water in the evening. That was a dozen or more years ago, and the middle of the night shin cramps have only reappeared once or twice since then.

 

[TobyC]

Currently taking Lovastatin.

 

[Nav]

I started with Lipitor many years ago and after a time experienced one of the side effects that were referenced in the tv commercials. The sudden onset of awful shin cramps in the middle of the night became unbearable. It was the second most painful physical experience I’ve ever had. Maybe third. My bilateral knee replacements weren’t as painful as the Lipitor induced cramps. The moron doctor switched me to Crestor. After a time the same thing happened. I went to a different doctor. He advised me to take a daily CoQ10 supplement with a glass of water in the evening. That was a dozen or more years ago, and the middle of the night shin cramps have only reappeared once or twice since then.

Good advice to take CoQ10 as statins block the pathway which produces CoQ10 (along with cholesterol).
I hope you're taking the active form, ubiquinol and not ubiquinone.

 

[Vacumatic]

PP, I don't know about you but I haven't seen CoQ10 on the shelves, however ASDA sell it, £4ish for 30 capsules.

The ingredients are

Sunflower Oil, Capsule Shell [Beef Gelatine, Humectant (Glycerol), Colour (Iron Oxides and Hydroxides)], Coenzyme Q10, Stabiliser (Silicon Dioxide), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate)

Holland and Barrett talk about it on their website

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/t...Q4S8onBcPZQUTVPSip8aAs64EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Paper Plane]

Thanks. Would need a vegetarian version.

steve

 

[Vacumatic]

Thanks. Would need a vegetarian version.

steve

Amazon have a vegan version, the price goes to £24 for 120 capsules.

Could be worth doing some research before purchase.

 

[MntnMan62]

I take Atorvastatin for my cholesterol levels. Have taken them for years now. I do not have any side effects from them. It should be noted that I like my cheese, steak, cheese, pork, cheese, duck, cheese, etc. I have reduced my consumption of these things but have yet to increase my levels of exercise. I need to do that post haste. I'm thinking that if I do that, continue to watch what I eat, I could lose more than the 30 pounds I lost a couple years ago, maybe another 15, and maybe I can stop the statin. And maybe I might also be able to further lower my blood pressure which could eliminate the need for one or both of the blood pressure meds I'm taking as well. And if not, it won't be the end of the world since I'm not seeing any side effects anyway. But I'd love to be taking less medication.

 

[Bambamshaves]

Been on Atorvastatin since my heart attack and bypass surgery 4 years ago. No side effects. Keep cholesterol in check. And my diet had totally changed after the surgery. I just produce cholesterol. So I need to be on them to keep level in check. It also effect my good cholesterol so you need to stay on top of your blood work

 

[TobyC]

Been on Atorvastatin since my heart attack and bypass surgery 4 years ago. No side effects. Keep cholesterol in check. And my diet had totally changed after the surgery. I just produce cholesterol. So I need to be on them to keep level in check. It also effect my good cholesterol so you need to stay on top of your blood work

I had a triple in 2001.