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Calcium Score
I'm seventy-four years old and had a CAC Scan yesterday. My PCP called me this morning to tell me that my calcium score was 145 and that he wanted me to start on a statin, Crestor 5mg, right away, which I'd rather not do. I developed high blood pressure in my sixties for which I'm taking Losartan 50mg. I also take Effexor, which can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My cholestorol was fifteen points high. My ECG was fine.
There are side effects to consider with statins, and the idea of having to be on this medication for the rest of my life is depressing. I'm not overweight, but could do more exercise and eat more more balanced meals, take vitamins, etc. Would it make sense to try a lifestyle change before starting on Crestor, or does a calcium score of 145 suggest I need to start on a statin right away? Thanks.
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The vast majority of people on statins have *no* side effects. That is a fact.
For people who have high cholesterol due to heredity, diet and exercise won't help. That is a fact.
For people who have already accumulated a high calcium score, diet and exercise will do nothing to reverse it. That is a fact.
My personal OPINION is that statins are fantastic drugs.
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3 ReactionsThanks very much for the reply!
Thank you so much for the links. May I ask if you have had bad experiences with statins or no of someone who has? Thanks again!
I help many seniors with there health insurance, and have seen the side effects coupled with the interactions with other medicines there on. The statistics show only a 1% benefit versus not taking them. Just saying do your research, don't be an order follower.
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1 Reaction@kobe2026, these are helpful links for people to make informed choices with their doctor.
You're right @njx58. Statins lower cholesterol and protect against heart attack and stroke. They are effective and safe for most people. As @kobe2026 points out, for some people they may lead to side effects or drug interactions.
As we often see in the discussions on Mayo Clinic Connect, treatments are as individual as the person taking them. It's never a one-size fits all situation. That is why it is important to be informed and talk with your provider to find out what is right for you. Whenever your doctor suggests a new medication, it’s important to tell them what else you’re taking. You can also ask your pharmacist to review your medications.
Most important, if you think your statins are causing side effects, don't just stop taking the pills. Talk to your healthcare team. A change in how much medicine you take or even a different type of medicine may help.
Read more here:
- Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013
- Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045772
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2 ReactionsCheck out google/scholar.
On google line type in google/scholar. It is not easy to read some of the article articles. No junk or scam type of information on it. I have found it to be good in the past.
I too could not find much on MC site. There are a number of medical centers that might have information for you.
Good luck.
@joanne10 and @minnesota10, you might find this information from Mayo Clinic Laboratories helpful:
PTH2 Parathyroid Hormone, Serum: https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/28379#Clinical-and-Interpretive
Thank you.