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Statins - side-effects, PMR, Giant Cell Arteritis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: May 26 11:42am | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
@dadcue
I couldn't agree more. Question. Why did you have to go on a statin because you were on prednisone? Just curious if you don't mind my asking.
In our case, there was no other option but to take prednisone. My husband was at risk of losing his sight, a stroke, aneurysm or death. His inflammation levels were off the charts and his temples were swelling. It was really frightening. So there are times when it's needed and it's a life saver.
Having said that, taking a statin isn't life and death and I'm not sure he even needs them. I posted a response to megz that we really didn't get a good explanation of why they're being prescribed. He tried them for a couple days, came down with an awful cough and cold-like symptoms so he had to get off them. Now they're pushing us to get him back on them. I'm asking why when the doctor just wrote us a note saying his cholesterol levels are fine. One is a little high but the good cholesterol is great and he said they balance each other out and not to worry. His chart says he was a long-time smoker. He's never smoked a day in his life. They said not only cholesterol is considered when prescribing a statin, other health markers are considered. His mom had some medical issues like diabetes and some heart issues. So I get they're probably using that. But are they also using the incorrect info that he's smoked most of his adult life? I've asked for that to be removed multiple times but it's still in his chart and they tell me "small mistakes in the chart are normal, not to worry." Hmmmmmm Why not just remove the wrong info? I guess I could push the issue.
Replies to "@dadcue I couldn't agree more. Question. Why did you have to go on a statin because..."
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"Prednisone is incredibly effective in reining in inflammation but can also quickly and sometimes dramatically raise LDL levels and lower HDL levels. Studies suggest that high-dose prednisone can cause this in a matter of weeks and increase your systolic blood pressure at the same time"
https://www.verywellhealth.com/which-drugs-can-raise-cholesterol-levels-698229#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20drugs%20that,%2C%20anabolic%20steroids%2C%20and%20more.
This happened to my cholesterol levels after I was on moderately high doses of prednisone daily for PMR. It was all part of the increased risk of metabolic syndrome for people on Prednisone.
https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/news/corticosteroids-linked-to-increased-metabolic-syndrome-risk/
I think doctors are too proactive sometimes and prescribe "preventative medications" for known Prednisone side effects.
My cholesterol levels and blood pressure skyrocketed after PMR was diagnosed. I went from no cardiac history to 3 blood pressure medications and a statin soon followed. All these medications were started by a cardiologist when I suddenly developed a cardiac arrhythmia and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/left-ventricular-hypertrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-20374314#:~:text=Left%20ventricular%20hypertrophy%20is%20a,cause%20is%20high%20blood%20pressure.
Until this time, I was riding my bicycle regularly and was very fit and trim --- all muscle and no fat. I loved to exercise. Prednisone made me the opposite. One of my first complaints after being on Prednisone for a year was "exercise intolerance." My primary care doctor ordered an exercise tolerance test but it was "normal." I maintained my exercise intolerance wasn't normal for me. A few months later I was out doing a 30 mile bicycle ride and nearly collapsed from exhaustion. That was when the heart arrhythmia was found.
Many years later, after I got off Prednisone, my blood pressure medications were stopped one by one because I was getting dizzy and light headed all the time. My cholesterol levels were being monitored because I was on Actemra. My rheumatologist became concerned that my cholesterol levels were too low so he stopped atorvastatin.