Query about statins

I take Atorvastatin, but also Ferusamide for peripheral oedema (swollen ankles) . They can go hand in hand because high cholesterol and heart failure, while not the same thing, are cousins

I'm on Atorvastatin, have been for a few years, no side-effects whatsoever, thankfully. Hope it stays that way.

Are you sure the swelling isnt due to the actual medical problem itself? I have had the swollen ankles awhile (I have heart problems) but i noticed them BEFORE the hospital put me on atorvastatin, and i still have them now ive had heart valve replaced AND im not on the statins anymore.I assumed the valve replacement would cure a lot of things,like heart murmer and swollen ankles etc but No, it didnt, (unless it maybe takes awhile?) But maybe its due to the aortic anaurysm they also found🤔whichever,i still have the swelling, maybe you should have a chat with your doctor or consultant?

I have raised cholesterol which is a hereditary trait on my paternal side. I tried changing my diet and exercise and reduced it marginally but not enough. So I was put on Atorvastatin and had awful side effects from it, achy joints and such like. I was then put on Rosuvastatin just over a year ago and so far this has been ok. My levels have reduced and currently I am watching my saturated fat as I need to lose a few pounds. I have not had any swollen ankles or feet.

I am a believer in statins. I take Antorvastatin every day and , although I have slightly swollen ankles, I would rather be on it than not.

Anyone with hypothyroidism problems should read NICE guidance re prescribing statins.

Statins are one the most researched drugs in use across the World today.

Research has shown that many of the reported side effects are related to what is known as the nocebo effect. Various trials have reported that patients prescribed a placebo have reported the same side effects as those prescribed statins.

A 2015 Danish study published in the European Heart Journal found that negative news stories about statins led to an increase in patients stopping their medication, which was associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular death.

A private cardiologist that I meet with each year takes a daily statin and he tells me that his cholesterol levels are normal. He describes statins as the safety belt of heart disease. Those who have a heart attack often wish they have kept taking their prescribed statin.

That’s good enough for me.

DrWatson

For Sheian, and anyone tempted to believe that medically illiterate twaddle, kindly list YOUR medical qualifications?

YOU may be one of the gormless subset who believes everything they see on FaceBook, and if so, jolly good luck, you'll need it!

Cholesterol causes blockages to your blood flow, which over time become so severe that a hert attack is the likely result.

A big chunk of the older population takes Statins (quite a few types) mostly without much in the way of side effects, though looking at the leaflet, quite a few may be possible. Maybe check an aspirin packet, check the possible side effects on THAT leaflet?

Overall, Statins are a major benefit, so your unhinged nonsense is not just ill-informed, it's possibly dangerous (if some gullible sorts believe you). I've heard several doctors (they're the ones who studied for years, and passed exams, give it a try?!) say there is good and bad cholesterol, and tests these days can measure both. Only if someone's 'bad' measure is at a naughty level will doctors get concerned, and Statins can MOST CERTAINLY help to reduce it.

Could diet and exercise help? Sure, as they can with most things, but not always to the level needed.

How very rude, ok, some folk don't have problems with statins others do. statins raised my blood sugar, so gp thought I was type 2 diabetic...only when I had the sense to stop the statins did my blood sugar go back to normal, and I didn't ask my gp's advice about stopping them, I worked that out all by myself..every organ in your body needs cholesterol.

I've taken 20mg Atorvastatin every day for just over 2 years, no side effects at all. My cholesterol was very high in spite of my low weight, walking up to 20 miles a week, gardening and eating the sort of diet that is recommended to lower cholesterol. It was down to normal within 3 months of taking statins. A few days ago I read that eating oats for 3 days (not sure if any other food was allowed) lowers cholesterol rapidly.

After recent blood tests the Dr phoned. I was sure she'd say I had to go in statins but she said there was no need for me to. Hooray.

Amlodonpine, blood pressure meds, does that, I had to change to ramipril

I’ve taken Atorvastatin for some years with no ill effects whatsoever.

I was put on statins for a while by my Dr. and later he decided that I didn't need them any more. (Oh great I can have grapefruit again)
Later I saw a nurse practitioner to review my Diabetic 6 monthly review and she decided that I should be tacking them (she is known throughout the surgery as the "statin Queen she seems to love putting people on them). Bit confusing that1

For Sheian, and anyone tempted to believe that medically illiterate twaddle, kindly list YOUR medical qualifications?

YOU may be one of the gormless subset who believes everything they see on FaceBook, and if so, jolly good luck, you'll need it!

Cholesterol causes blockages to your blood flow, which over time become so severe that a hert attack is the likely result.

A big chunk of the older population takes Statins (quite a few types) mostly without much in the way of side effects, though looking at the leaflet, quite a few may be possible. Maybe check an aspirin packet, check the possible side effects on THAT leaflet?

Overall, Statins are a major benefit, so your unhinged nonsense is not just ill-informed, it's possibly dangerous (if some gullible sorts believe you). I've heard several doctors (they're the ones who studied for years, and passed exams, give it a try?!) say there is good and bad cholesterol, and tests these days can measure both. Only if someone's 'bad' measure is at a naughty level will doctors get concerned, and Statins can MOST CERTAINLY help to reduce it.

Could diet and exercise help? Sure, as they can with most things, but not always to the level needed.

PS. Atorvastatin is great!

I’m lucky, I’m on statins but feet and ankles fine, although I am aware statins do cause swollen feet and ankles.

I've taken Statins 20 odd years. It took me til a few months ago to question why my lower legs and feet become sooo painful and tingling soo as I get jnto bed. I've taken it upon myself to stop taking them and sew if the pin stops.
It has! I'll speak to my gp quite soon about that.

Swollen feet! Yes by late afternoon and evening they swell and feel very uncomfortable. Is there a connection I reallybdont know.

You’re right, heart disease is not caused by cholesterol, which we all need for good brain and body function, but it does contribute to both inflammation and atherosclerosis of the arteries. The more saturated fat (red meat, smoked/bbq, ultra-processed foods) we eat, the more the fat builds up in the blood and gets deposited as ‘plaques’/scales in our arteries. This narrows them and can, eventually, completely block them.

Unfortunately, Asian people make more cholesterol in their livers than most, which is proved by CHD (chronic heart disease) being one of the biggest health problems with those of Asian descent.
Other contributors to CHD include tooth decay/gingivitis which can migrate through the bloodstream to affect the heart muscle. Regular dental check-ups are important if you have high cholesterol or FH (Familial Hypercholesterolemia- inherited high cholesterol).

Perhaps the easiest way to decrease the risk is to eat less fat-heavy proteins and switch to a Mediterranean diet.

Dementia has quite a few causative factors including high cholesterol (LDL, the ‘bad’ type) - this might help explain the problems-
www.heart.org/en/news/2024/11/12/fluctuating-cholesterol-in-older-adults-tied-to-increased-dementia-risk

The stories about unpleasant side effects from certain brands of statins and certain people are everywhere and are very off putting. I can't understand why this hasn't been investigated. One of the problems with proprietary drugs is they are often designed as one size fits all but ignore gender and other differences.
GPs get paid to dispense these and possibly other drugs which may be part of the story. For patients, surely the side effects are a concern and are probably causing problems in their own right.

Sheian57

Statins very bad for you. I recommend checking FB Statins, the silent killer. Diet and exercise keeps us fit, not something tgat reduces cholesterol, a natural healrhy cell builder needed by the liver and brain. Hmmm why do some many people have dementia. Heart disease is not caused by cholesterol,inflammation and arteriosclerosis does that

Mmm my brother of 60 was prescribed them and refused to take them until he was out cycling and found out three of his Dr friends had put themselves on them at 50 years old. He has recently started taking them. Diet changes can only do so much and blocked arteries are so dangerous you wouldn’t need to worry about dementia if you keel over from a heart attack or a stroke.

I had swollen ankles for years which was put down to bp medication I was on. I also got excruciating cramps while on Atorvastatin and as a result was switched to Rosuvastatin. Since then I have had cramps a couple of times. I have also had quite severe nosebleeds on both statins, like knspol. So it seems to me that both these very widely prescribed drugs can have the same side effects. I wish I didn't have to take them

Never taken statins, never been suggested by any Dr.

I had them and was given a medication from GP. I guess it was a diuretic

I've been on Simvastatin for many years with no swelling. But I do have lots of aches/pains and the muscles in my left upper leg have gone weak.

PS meant to add that I took GP's advice before stopping meds.