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Statin alternatives
Due to a 70% blockage in my LAD I had 2 stents inserted. I had no symptoms. I was put on Rosuvastatin and after a year of 5 mg was trying to increase. My statin levels were not at the level the cardio wanted. BUT they wanted me at the level as if I had had a heart attack. When trying to increase I went to feeling a few side effects to becoming a person who thought twice to climbing stairs and working out due to hip, back and leg pain. Foggy brain a bit too. Rosuvastatin was my third try of a different statin. I had border line high cholesterol before statins. So my question is, has anyone who has not had a heart attack but has stents just gone without a statin. I am sure my cardio will treat me like I am crazy to not take them, but what is worse, sitting around because you hurt or being active and happy.
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I paid out of pocket $1,500 for it. My cardiologist told me the CCTA would be covered now under insurance since i have heart disease. I'll still pay to have the disc sent to Cleerly for intrepretation.
Is an angiogram still not the gold standard. Although riskier if get the CCTA and you need a stent an angiogram will still have to be done.
@gerrycf
I recently had a Lacunar stroke, and my doctor has prescribed Repatha. The cost is extremely high. Did your insurance pay for it or do you have a grant? I am allergic to statins; they cause a rise in liver enzymes.
@purl18 Like you, I could not tolerate statins. Since I am on Medicare with a good supplement, my copay for injections is $50 for each biweekly injection, capped at $2000/year. Otherwise, my daughter (pharmacy nurse) has said they advise people to contact Repatha directly for assistance, and failing that, to use GoodRx to get the cost down.
Do any of these options work for you?
@purl18 before Medicare, there’s was a program I signed up for — you can inquire from Repatha. Very reasonable. Once Medicare kicked in for me, it was expensive about 180/month (2 injection pens). But I think they also offer some assistance programs. Look online or call them. Praluent was a little expensive and I switched 2x and presently on Praluent.
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1 Reaction@rochelle369 Interesting, my cardiologist, said 2-4 tablespoon a day reduces cardiovascular risk and improves cholesterol. It is rich in polyphenols.
@molliecarey1664
Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about olive oil.
- Mayo Clinic: Exploring the Health Benefits of Olive Oil
https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/exploring-the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil/
I eat quite a bit of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), specifically cold pressed. It sounds like you eat olive oil regularly as well.
I would love ideas! How do you eat your oil?
@jlharsh I just started using it so I'm not super creative. I make a oil and balsamic vinegar and lemon salad dressing which I love and I do like what restaurants do and have olive oil on a plate with balsamic and dip my French bread in it and soak it up. Lol those are the two things I've tried so far but I just added it. I cook with it, of course, but I am looking to substitute out treats and bad fats for healthy ones so I'm using it more to eat with. Anyways, I'd love any ideas. I'm sure if you've been doing it for a while. You have a lot more than me.
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1 Reaction@molliecarey1664
I love it! Keeping it simple is easy and yummy. Having some fresh warm bread with olive oil and balsamic…..enough said!
I eat quite a bit of olive oil, go back and forth from trying to be creative/different at times then boring and easy at others. I add it like you when I have salad. As my rule, I try to eat 4-5 Tablespoons a day and typically add it on top of every meal and snack. I mostly eat grain, beans/legumes, fruits and veggies (and coffee) and mix it up with herbs and spices to go with the olive oil. There are some fun flavored oils, too (basil, chocolate, vanilla, jalapeño….) We are going to need to share notes, or maybe a Connect Discussion about ways to eat EVOO.
Do you notice olive oil impacting how you feel in any way?
@jlharsh Honestly I would love it. I do have alot of allergies, but am willing to try a very aggressive diet to help my heart, it's so worth it. And the olive oil is already helping lower my BP which blows my mind!
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