Should I take statins

DH had a blood test taken by a nurse. The practice pharmacist then rang him to say she had prescribed statins. He picked them up from the chemist but as yet hasn’t started taking them. We’d feel better about it if he had had the chance to talk to a doctor.

Exactly how I feel GrannyRose

Thanks Fleurpepper. I feel better now. It was not a bleed but lack of blood supply. My memories became splintered and did not hold together, and speech became non existant for six days ,so I am told. So happy to be home again and making my own decisions!

One good thing is if I had died I would not have been aware of dying.

Glad you're recovering Caleo.

I am 81 years old and have been taking statins for twenty years and my cholesterol has always been under control. I have not experienced any side effects so will continue to take them.

Thanks, Nadadeturbe. I am. Still vague about some words and tire easily, but so glad to be home!

Been on them for a few years after a mini stroke, never had a problem

I've never been prescribed statins. Both parents died from heart attacks. I recently had a set of blood tests carried out due in part to my telling GP I feel my heart thumps and races. All the tests are normal. He also sent me to have a 24 hour heart monitor fitted. Now been waiting 4 weeks for results. Should I have statins, is it based on genetics alone? I'm 77.

With high cholesterol and a family history of stroke/heart attack spanning many generations my GP suggested years ago that I would benefit from taking statins and it has been discussed at every annual health check since. Last year, my 70th, I finally agreed to take 40mg Atorvastatin daily. The first couple of months were difficult as I experienced nausea and leg pain, but after a ‘check up’ call from the local pharmacist* I decided to stick with it and continued to take the medication without any further side effects.

*The phone call was unsolicited and simply because the pharmacist had seen it was my first prescription for statins. She followed it up with a second phone call a month later. I was seriously impressed, but sadly that particular pharmacy (Boots) is scheduled for closure in February.

Def discussion with GP, also you are able to take them every other day too, with GP agreement

I tried taking them for 3 years, and they were the most miserable of my life, going from being a very well-balanced and equable person to being an anxious wreck. The anxiety became worse and worse to the point where I could barely function, with obsessive worry about various illnesses just popping into my head and then staying there for days until I researched it out; within a couple of days another one started. They also gave me the most dreadful restless legs every night. I know it was caused by the statins because it has all gone away since I stopped taking them; it went within 3 weeks. I tried 2 types of statins, both had the same effect. It's a pity, because I did try, being diabetic. Now I just try to stay as fit as possible with cardio and weights, and keep my blood sugar under control as well as possible. I do wonder if it was because my cholesterol levels went so low, down to 2.8 - as it is impossible now to have a sensible conversation with a gp about them I have given up. At the last review with the chemist it seemed that my ratio if HDL/LDL was ok even though the LDL was higher than they liked. Every so often the nurse raises the issue again, but in my case the cure seems worse than the day-to-day quality of life.

Had my cholesterol checked around 20 yrs ago and was told very high but because both the good and bad were high it was OK and I didn't need statins. It's never been checked since and I only saw a locum GP so should probably ask again for blood test but need to see/speak to GP before I can see nurse for test and even a phone call with GP is now over a 4 week wait. Feel like I shouldn't bother them with something seemingly trivial.

9f your doctor recommends that you take statins - please take them .
I was about to be put on them when I managed to reduce my cholesterol levels with diet .
But I know that I might have to take them eventually .
The other day , I met someone who has decided not to take her thyroxine - only she isn't telling her doctor about her decision .

Sparklefizz

Has anyone tried plant sterols to reduce their cholesterol, and if so, did they work?

Yes I tried them and have successfully reduced my cholesterol to an acceptable level. I was advised 18 months ago that I should take statins- not a particularly high level, but I was 77 and age counts! I refused, having a maternal family history of women living into their 90s. But I stopped eating butter and replaced it with a sterol rich spread and had a C-reducing drink every day. Test last month showed my C-level was now acceptable. I'm currently trying fewer C reducing-drinks a week. They do work, but they're not cheap and you do need to take them regularly for a decent length of time.

Doc suggested statins as my cholesterol reading was 6. I agreed, but after a couple of months of every side effect you could think of and one that they deem to be rare, I took another doctor's advice to stop taking them asap. A week later and I was back to my usual self. Avorstation really messed up my body chemistry! I have no wish top repeat the experience!

Crazygranma and others what side effects did you encounter. I have been on Avorstatin 20mg 1 a day for 3 mths now and feel dreadful. Had blood test done 3 weeks ago waiting for results. Not seen or spoken to a GP regarding statins only health care person and pharmacist.

I refused statins a couple of years ago and read around the subject quite a bit. However things have changed and have various health issues including cancer and am not able to do the exercising I used to . after speaking to pharmasist, doctor, and various other people I have then decided to take them. I have had blood test etc and so far am fine on them and as I am 78 have decided that this is helpful in my main plan to be able to remain independant and run my own life with my own choices made after looking at all the pros and cons .

My total ch level is c 7.8. But when I queried GP who wanted to put me on statins, he eventually agreed I had the healthiest level in his practice as you need to dig down and find out the HDL versus the LDL rate and the ratio between the two.

If your doctor says you should take them, why ask common grans their opinions?

Possibly because there is debate about statins and it’s not always doctors who prescribe. In my case it was a pharmacist.
Common grans?

Because health is a matter for both the individual and their doctor. The individual knows their personal and familial history, they can research and look at alternative treatments and remedies and come to a decision. The doctor can advise about what the difficulty is and what drug treatments are available. You can then decide what route you choose to take. Asking others about their experiences can help with your research.
If I had chosen just to go with statins the NHS would have had to supply me with them. By choosing a more natural way I've saved them money.
Taking responsibility for your own health is something everyone should do.

Glorianny What is a C-reducing drink please?
I have just been prescribed Avorostatin 20mg. I was given them 2 years ago and didn’t get on with them at all, and stopped them. They reduced my cholesterol though.
They are sitting there in the packet, looking at me! Don’t want to take them!

Susy The same ones that are in a bag in the cupboard but they have only been here for a couple of weeks. I can’t see them but know they are there.

susytish

Glorianny What is a C-reducing drink please?
I have just been prescribed Avorostatin 20mg. I was given them 2 years ago and didn’t get on with them at all, and stopped them. They reduced my cholesterol though.
They are sitting there in the packet, looking at me! Don’t want to take them!

Benecol yoghurt drink is one benecol.co.uk/, but supermarkets have their own brands. They contain plant sterols and they have worked for me.

I work as a stroke nurse. Statins are proven to be effective against secondary prevention of heart attacks and strokes. If on statin with side effects, inform GP as alternatives available. I have been on statin for 18 years as familial cholesterol so I’m happy to stay on for life. X