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Statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs are among the most prescribed medications in the world. Studies have shown that they can reduce the risk of death from heart attacks among people with heart disease. Many people in the U.S. take these drugs even though they have no symptoms and have not been diagnosed with heart disease. Their doctors have prescribed medicines such as Crestor, Lipitor, lovastatin or simvastatin to prevent heart problems.
A recent meta-analysis questions this approach. Investigators in England, Scotland and the Netherlands gathered data from 11 different studies. They included 65,229 volunteers without heart disease, but at high risk for heart problems. On average, these people were followed for almost 4 years after being randomized to take either a statin or an inert placebo pill. Although the statins lowered cholesterol, especially bad LDL cholesterol, people taking statins were not significantly less likely to die during the follow-up. The scientists conclude that the life saving benefits of statins are more modest than previous studies suggested, even for people at high risk. They urge caution in assuming that statins will save lives among people at lower risk of heart disease.
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Topical item for me. Underwent CABG May 27. My Total Cholesterol before and after the surgery - 160 and 100, HDL before and after - 41 and 45, LDL before and after - 98 and 32 (Calc?), Triglycerides - 107 before and 116 after. I have been put on simvastatin (20mg) and the cardiologist is of the view that I will be on Simvastatin (Zocor) for life.
I detest any toxins in my system and am apprehensive of such lifelong use. Does being of Asian descent (and presumably smaller arteries), have a bearing on continued use to safeguard against cholesterol impacts on my heart disease??
Years back I took zocor and after several years had knee discomfort - difficulty bending or kneeling. When discontinued, the condition cleared.
Now I take crestor and Zetia.... someone said that crestor contained lipitor. Is this true? As I am once again having the same difficulty as before with kneeling etc.
Thanks - appreciated todays' broadcast on Ticks.
Where do I go from here? I can not tolerate statins - tried both Lipitor and Zocor.
My doctor put me on Lovaza to lower triglycerides - my LDL went up. We added Niaspan to lower the LDL, my blood glucose went up. I won't even talk about medication for that. Even though I consider my diet to be a very good one I went to a dietitian 4 times for help. Her only advice was to eat more nuts to help lower my LDL. I have a severe allergy to tree nuts.
I do not want to have to take an entire medicine cabinet of drugs to counteract the side effects of the ones that are supposed to help me. I am active - I usually get 45 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. But, I can not seem to lose any weight - 15 pounds would be a good start - I would be thrilled with 20 but don't think I need to lose more than that since I am taller than most women my age (almost 60 - I am 5'8"). I follow the routine a personal trainer worked out for me and don't seem to be getting anywhere. I am discouraged and don't know what to do next.
My doctor wants me to attend meetings of a focus group to discuss diet and life style changes. I can't think of a single change I can make - my diet is better than most, I am active and exercise regularly, I get plenty of sleep and relaxation time. What else can I do?
My thyroid tests are normal (at least I have not been told otherwise.) Could a very stressful job be the cause of all this? I need a few more years before I can retire. Could the aggravation of all these side effects cause my lipid profile to worsen?