Cholesterol

I've been on statins for about 20 years now. I've never noticed any side effects at all. I did know about grapefruit, but I've never missed it.

M0nica

I rarely eat grapefruit.

I don't either, which is why I've never bothered to check. The first statin I was prescribed was simvastatin and I was told then that I shouldn't eat grapefruit. I was changed to rosuvastatin years ago and I just assumed it was the same.

I rarely eat grapefruit.

NotSpaghetti

growstuff

MOnica It's well-known that people on statins shouldn't eat grapefruit.

Pravastatin (Pravachol)
​Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
​Fluvastatin (Lescol)
​Pitavastatin (Livalo)
Are ALL fine with grapefruit
Atorvastatin is generally fine with not a lot of grapefruit.

It totally depends on the particular way the statin works.

It is Simvastatin and Lovastatin that have a high risk associated with grapefruit. Obviously don't have grapefruit with those!

That's useful to know. Thank you.

I just did some googling about plant sterols and also red rice, because I was going to send away for both of them. It’s good that I did because the red rice contains the same ingredient that can cause problems when taking statins. Which just goes to show the dangers of self medicating! I’m going to buy the plant sterols that claim not to be packed out with additives. So I’m going to take that, eat more fruit and vegetables, exercise more and then ask for another b/t in a few months. And possibly have a small bar of dark chocolate each day.

I cannot and will not take statins. My HDL is very good so doctor not unduly worried. I do take plant sterols and I have never had any problems with them. I have to pay for them but they are worth it. Consistently taken they can lower your cholesterol by 25%. Worth a try if you can't tolerate statins. Most health shops or main chemists sell them.

My current GP wants me to take statins but my results are lower (!) than they were 18 months ago when my GP then told me she wasn't concerned because my HDL ratio was good and my triglycerides were low!

That's the thing, you can quote statistics, you can listen to the myriad doctors and cardiologists on YouTube promoting or denigrating the prescription of statins, there are, likewise, numerous books. The medical world is in chaos about statins as often happens with medication.

I don't think anything is a no brainier. One reads as much as one can, considers the side effects and votes accordingly.

Maelil

I’m completely baffled why any gransnetter ever complains about being unable to see a doctor! You’re obviously all medically qualified and fully trained cardiologists. The number ranting about being “pressured” and “bullied” into taking statins is incredible.

They’re a phenomenally successful group of drugs and successfully reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. What’s not to like?

There is a LOT of misplaced arrogance on display.

But are statins such a no brainer?? The difference in the chances of me having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years was 15.5% if I took statins and 17.3% if I didn't.

If I do not take statins and have a heart attack/stroke tomorrow, how will someone be able to tell the whether it is one of the 15 stroke/heart attack events that would occur among a hundred women like me, whether they had taken statins or not, or one of the 2 that would not have happened if they had taken statins?.

I am making no medical claims of any sort. I am talking simple statistics based on figures given to me by my GP.

Anyway, there is a body of medical opinion that is doubtful of the use of statins as a prophylactic , as distinct from being a treaatment after the event.

growstuff

MOnica It's well-known that people on statins shouldn't eat grapefruit.

Pravastatin (Pravachol)
​Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
​Fluvastatin (Lescol)
​Pitavastatin (Livalo)
Are ALL fine with grapefruit
Atorvastatin is generally fine with not a lot of grapefruit.

It totally depends on the particular way the statin works.

It is Simvastatin and Lovastatin that have a high risk associated with grapefruit. Obviously don't have grapefruit with those!

Luckygirl What is the evidence that your heart attack was caused by having high cholesterol?

When I spoke to my GP I was told I had a 15.5% probability of having a stroke or heart attack in the next ten years if I DID take statins. That increased to 17.3 % if I didn't.

In other words whether you take statins or not there is a good chance you will have a stroke or heart attack in the next ten years. Statins only reduce that probability by a couple of %.

growstuff, I tried to make an appointment with the doctor but would have to wait three weeks. I gave up.

I take 20 mg Atorvastatin every evening. I've had no side effects and my cholesterol levels are text book level now. OH has familial high cholesterol, the first statin he took didn't suit him but he now takes one that is fine and he also has appropriate levels. Having seen my lovely Bil live for 20 years a complete shell of his former self following a stroke, I'm happy to take a well researched drug that might help me avoid a similar fate. As is my husband and everyone else in the family. Your body, your choice but its your family that will carry the load if you have a life altering stroke.

Luckygirl3

Primrose53

I have had “high cholesterol” for over 20 years. never knew until they started testing. As far as I can recall my total cholesterol then was 9. I was told by GP I should go on statins.

I read up all I could, spoke to many people on statins and decided not to go on them. The GP said I was “very silly” and not happy I didn’t take her advice.

I gave up smoking, lost weight and didn’t need to change my diet much as we eat healthily anyway. I did start exercising more too. I barely drink alcohol.

Over the years my cholesterol level came down and many times the Practice tried to get me on statins. I have never had any issues with heart problems.

Last week the GP messaged me saying my total cholesterol was 6 and she said I “may like to consider statins”. I replied and declined saying it was much better than 9, I have no problems connected to high cholesterol, I have lost 3 stones since I was tested all those years ago, not had a cigarette for over 20 years and barely drink. I eat healthily and get plenty of exercise and my risk of a heart attack or stroke is 15% and I’m OK with that at 72 years old.

I feel healthy, am on hardly any medication, have no replacement parts, so I am not chancing aching joints and muscle pains and confusion by going on statins.

That's what I thought till I had a heart attack. The silting up of the arteries is busy sneaking up on you and everything is fine until it isn't.....

I’ll take my chances! I saw my Dad put on statins aged 80 and he was confused, tired, had aching joints and muscle pains. I also spoke to countless people who suffered horrible side effects.

Just googled it and it can’t be 14 ( if it was I’d be in a bad way) but he definitely said 14.

I didn’t take in what he was saying but he did mention 14 . I think I need to speak to him again when I’m thinking more clearly. I’ve got the details from my last reading which was 9 years ago and I want to compare them. I was told my bad cholesterol was high but the exercise negated that. I hardly drink, am not overweight and thought I ate fairly healthily. The only difference from 9 years ago is my lack of exercise because of my knee.

Primrose53

I have had “high cholesterol” for over 20 years. never knew until they started testing. As far as I can recall my total cholesterol then was 9. I was told by GP I should go on statins.

I read up all I could, spoke to many people on statins and decided not to go on them. The GP said I was “very silly” and not happy I didn’t take her advice.

I gave up smoking, lost weight and didn’t need to change my diet much as we eat healthily anyway. I did start exercising more too. I barely drink alcohol.

Over the years my cholesterol level came down and many times the Practice tried to get me on statins. I have never had any issues with heart problems.

Last week the GP messaged me saying my total cholesterol was 6 and she said I “may like to consider statins”. I replied and declined saying it was much better than 9, I have no problems connected to high cholesterol, I have lost 3 stones since I was tested all those years ago, not had a cigarette for over 20 years and barely drink. I eat healthily and get plenty of exercise and my risk of a heart attack or stroke is 15% and I’m OK with that at 72 years old.

I feel healthy, am on hardly any medication, have no replacement parts, so I am not chancing aching joints and muscle pains and confusion by going on statins.

That's what I thought till I had a heart attack. The silting up of the arteries is busy sneaking up on you and everything is fine until it isn't.....

And my blood pressure is always excellent. Another Dr told me I have the blood pressure of a 16 year old!

I have had “high cholesterol” for over 20 years. never knew until they started testing. As far as I can recall my total cholesterol then was 9. I was told by GP I should go on statins.

I read up all I could, spoke to many people on statins and decided not to go on them. The GP said I was “very silly” and not happy I didn’t take her advice.

I gave up smoking, lost weight and didn’t need to change my diet much as we eat healthily anyway. I did start exercising more too. I barely drink alcohol.

Over the years my cholesterol level came down and many times the Practice tried to get me on statins. I have never had any issues with heart problems.

Last week the GP messaged me saying my total cholesterol was 6 and she said I “may like to consider statins”. I replied and declined saying it was much better than 9, I have no problems connected to high cholesterol, I have lost 3 stones since I was tested all those years ago, not had a cigarette for over 20 years and barely drink. I eat healthily and get plenty of exercise and my risk of a heart attack or stroke is 15% and I’m OK with that at 72 years old.

I feel healthy, am on hardly any medication, have no replacement parts, so I am not chancing aching joints and muscle pains and confusion by going on statins.

Woollywoman

*Maelil*, all drugs have side effects, including statins. Surely it’s reasonable to question whether you need statins, especially if you already have side effects from other medication…

Of course it's your body and you have a right to refuse any medical treatment.

There is so much scare-mongering about statins. Some people do have side effects but, as has already been stated, statins have been subject to a huge amount of research. The conclusion is that for most people there are no or few side effects and that they do save lives. I doubt if anybody on here is qualified enough to dispute the evidence. I don't understand why people refuse them before they even try them and know what effect they'll have on them.

Nevertheless, you might be one of the people who has side effects. Sometimes another statin can be tolerated and it might be worth trying that. If the side effects persist, you then have to make a decision - whether to tolerate the side effects or risk a heart attack/stroke - it's up to you!

It must be frustrating for doctors when patients refuse to believe that their cholesterol levels and other indicators (such as blood pressure) put them at risk . They're not "bullying", but trying their best to lower risk.

Dottydots

I was pressured into taking Simvastatin, even though I had suffered a bleed on the brain. Told doctor the leaflet said that if you've had a bleed on the brain do not take them. Message from doctor next day saying it's OK to take them. I stupidly did as I was told. On day three of taking them my leg went painfully rigid and my foot twisted round in agony. I was in a chalet on my own on holiday at the time. The pain was intense for a few hours and i really thought my number was up.. Told doctor but received no apology. Never again will I take a statin.

What was wrong with you? I assume you did see a doctor for a diagnosis.

I have been taking statins for over a year now, Atorvastatin. Absolutely no side effects at all. My cholesterol levels have significantly lowered. I was recommended them by the doctor and decided to take them, as we have a long family history of heart disease. I simply take mine in a morning at the same time as my levothyroxine, both of which I shall be taking for the rest of my life. (Some say to take statins at night, but I’d rather just take both lots of medication at the same time to save me having to remember later on and they appear to be working fine.) I’m absolutely okay with this and just so grateful that medical advances mean there is a simple and effective preventative treatment I can take.

Not all statins are the same. If you were prescribed a different statin you are unlikely to suffer the same side effect.

Everyone can make a mistake, even doctors. I’ve always said to people don’t be afraid to question your doctors advice or to ask for a second opinion. When statins were first discovered I’m sure they were going to be sold over the counter.

Maelil

I’m completely baffled why any gransnetter ever complains about being unable to see a doctor! You’re obviously all medically qualified and fully trained cardiologists. The number ranting about being “pressured” and “bullied” into taking statins is incredible.

They’re a phenomenally successful group of drugs and successfully reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. What’s not to like?

There is a LOT of misplaced arrogance on display.

The fact that it's a drug?

I was pressured into taking Simvastatin, even though I had suffered a bleed on the brain. Told doctor the leaflet said that if you've had a bleed on the brain do not take them. Message from doctor next day saying it's OK to take them. I stupidly did as I was told. On day three of taking them my leg went painfully rigid and my foot twisted round in agony. I was in a chalet on my own on holiday at the time. The pain was intense for a few hours and i really thought my number was up.. Told doctor but received no apology. Never again will I take a statin.