1. < Heart & Blood Health

Complications with Statins

Posted by jackj @jackj, May 2, 2018

This may be of use to others taking statin drugs. I had a 5-way CABG in Sep 2015. Shortly after that, my cardiologist prescribed atorvastatin, 10 mg, once per day. My cholesterol numbers were all in the acceptable ranges, and they hadn't changed, and I resisted taking any at all, but I began the regimen. In August 2017, my PCP convinced me I should be on a higher dosage. I did argue against it again because in my post-CABG studies, so many reports, books, etc recommended against almost any at all, but I had had no difficulties with the lower dosage, I deferred to my doctor, and I began to take 40 mg/day. Early in 2018, a number of symptoms became evident: tiredness/fatigue, occasional shortness of breath, occasional lightheadedness, lower and thoracic back pain, itching (mostly from the chest up), frequent headaches (mild), and worst of all, eye difficulties--watery, blurry, darkening of vision, lots of floaters--so much so that reading became uncomfortable and at times difficult. These conditions continued to worsen. I thought about this constantly. I studied my diet, my schedule, my activities, none of which I had changed. I had always taken the drug before bedtime, and it dawned on me finally that since I felt worse in the mornings and better by the end of day, perhaps there was a connection. And since the only change I could see was the statin dosage, I decided to cut it back--at least to 20 mg. And almost immediately, my symptoms lessened. After 4 days, the improvement is dramatic. I almost feel normal again. Furthermore, perhaps rashly, I decided to return to the original 10 mg dosage. I will keep at this for a couple weeks to verify the conclusion, and I will discuss with both my PCP and my cardiologist. But I am convinced, especially with all the literature I've perused, that statins are not for me. I caution all on statins to research this thoroughly. By the way, the higher dosage did lower my cholesterol values, but other vitamin deficiencies are evident in my latest blood panel, and statins may also be the cause of those.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

swingandamiss | @swingandamiss | May 10, 2018
In reply to @ramakambhatla "I had different statins in doses of 10mg - 40mg , except for minimal muscular pains,..." + (show)
@ramakambhatla

I had different statins in doses of 10mg - 40mg , except for minimal muscular pains, no other signs or symptoms. Presently, on Rosuvastatin 10mg , with
mostly normal and favourable reports of lipid profile, for more than 6 months to one year. As read about Coenzyme Q10 can help in relief of muscular pains,
trying to use though seems expensive, in India with a few limited brands available.

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kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | May 10, 2018

I am happy about your talking to body , monitoring and discussing with Doctor.This is what I have been doing .Additional things which helped me to sustain on 5 mg dose of Statin are 1.Waliking , Exercising In Sunlight 2.Meditation and visualisation That Cholesterol is getting converted to VIT D .3 Stopping sweets , Icecream , oily stufff .No Non veg pl .I occasionally try Salmon when in USA.4 Self Massage .You can try Seasema oil or even Olive oil .5 Take soaked almonds , beat root , lots of fruits , nuts etc .6 Take warm water always.NO WATER from FRIDGE pl.7 Pray for others , Be Happy come what May and trust GOD .thnaks

REPLY
kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | May 10, 2018
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @jackj, Welcome back! Thank you so much for the update, and for starting this discussion...." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @jackj,

Welcome back! Thank you so much for the update, and for starting this discussion. The pros and cons of taking statins is an ongoing conversation, and I'd like to invite @thankful @kevinking @ramakambhatla @garydoys @trpain @downhillbob @predictable @yoanne @lynnkay1956 @joem @frankad @susanjomu @elio to join this discussion and weigh in with their thoughts and insights.

@jackj, you mentioned, "...other vitamin deficiencies are evident in my latest blood panel, and statins may also be the cause of those." Would you be able to share a bit more information about that?

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Recent research by team of Doctors in Pune , India points out that Choleterol indeed is required to produce VitD by body in Sunlight.In India , we have abundant sunlight and also large population is on plant Diet.Still VitD deficiency is common.I think the reason is less exposure.In fact I belive that at least 40 % Of Body should be exposed to Sunlight and my hypothesis is that if one can exercise or use tread,ill in Sun ,VitD will improve and Cholesterol will come down.I have observed this in my own case.More research and open mind is required to make Friends with Cholesterol.Of course high cholesterol has to be treated by Specialist.

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kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | May 10, 2018
In reply to @jackj "I had no noticeable symptoms with the 10 mg dosage. Since I've gone back to 10,..." + (show)
@jackj

I had no noticeable symptoms with the 10 mg dosage. Since I've gone back to 10, my symptoms are almost entirely gone. There have been no other changes in my diet or health.

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Nice.Try Walking In Sunlight and You May find happiness.God Bless

REPLY
Charlie | @ca426 | May 10, 2018
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @kishanvasekar, Thank you for taking the time to share your story, and for your participation..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @kishanvasekar,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story, and for your participation on Connect. I am happy to see that you have found many different discussions to partake in, and to know that the changes you've made are working for you. Keep in mind though, that everyone is different and their health situation may vary from your own. Members should not advise other members to stop taking their medication. Please see the first rule of Connect’s Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/ The guidelines state:
1. Be careful about giving out medical advice

The value of a community like Mayo Clinic Connect, is in meeting people who have experienced similar issues, share information, encourage one another to learn more about their health, and for some, to take that information to their health care providers.
Mayo Clinic advises that people consult with their current care provider before making any changes to their existing medication or treatment plan. When considering complementary or alternative treatments, or lifestyle changes that can affect one's health, it is best to be open-minded, and learn about the potential benefits and risks.

I also thought you might be interested in reading this information from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF):
– There was insufficient evidence that statins benefit adults over age 75 with no past cardiovascular disease.

– However, it endorsed the use of statins in adults 40 - 75 years of age, without a history of cardiovascular disease, who have one or more risk factors for it (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking) or a 10% risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or similar event within the next 10 years. This is a "B" recommendation which means that there is a high certainty of substantial benefit from statin use in preventing heart disease.

– USPSTF guidelines concluded that over all, potential harm from low and moderate doses of statins was small. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/statin-use-in-adults-preventive-medication1?ds=1&s=statins

@kishanvasekar, there is so much confusing information and debate about statins, which can make potential patients hesitant to take the medication. I am not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice; however, I am concerned that people may be more worried about side effects and discomfort now, and not look at the effect high cholesterol may have on their health in the future.
I sincerely hope fellow Connect members and statin users – @yoanne @thankful @lynnkay1956 @fourof5zs @davelindemann46 @luckyg @botexas @mcphee @gibbs – will join this discussion, too; I'd really like to hear their experiences and insights about statins.

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Cholesterol is very overstated, just make sure that the LDL and triglycerides don't get to high, I'm a big proponent of supplements Coq10, EFAs and a good diet with low amount of sugar...here's a good web site for some reference material https://www.drsinatra.com/ and I'm sure there are many others.

REPLY
lioness | @lioness | May 10, 2018
In reply to @kishanvasekar "I survived severe heart attack about 7 years back.Surgery to remove clot, kidney failure, 35 days..." + (show)
@kishanvasekar

I survived severe heart attack about 7 years back.Surgery to remove clot, kidney failure, 35 days in ER and 4 days on ventilator support left me bedridden for 3 months.I picked up courage , prayed and prayed and recovered .It is almost miracle.Then as Chemical Engineer , I had to retire but I decided to study Heart Disease in detail including Alternate systems of medicine Ayurveda.I have developed simple formula , MYSPEED ie Medittaion, Yoga , Smile and Sleep well,Pranyam ( Indian system of breathing ) , Exercise , Entertainment and Diet control to prevent , cure and even reverse Heart disease.
After 2 years of intensive medication ,I started worried after getting muscle weakness of extreme type and looked for main culprit.It was Statin dose.I felt of developing Friendship with Cholesterol and worked consistently to reduce dependence on Statins.Ultimately I Stopped it about 4 years back.
I belive that Cholesterol by itself is friend and becomes foe only if in excess.So almost 80 % of heart patients can reduce Statin or eventually Stop and lead Statin free life like me.
If you are committed and can follow MYSPEED formula with BMW ie Balanced , Moderate and Worryfree life style you can join the discussion.I will be sharing my experiences as we progress.Thnaks

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@kishanvasekar thanks for all your articles on statins and cholesterol I had a triple by-pass in 1996 I have been on statins since then it is our livers that makes cholesterol for our bodies but mine over produces so I take a small dose now but do about all the things you suggest A plant based diet with meat occasionally Walking is very important,as other types of exercise I have just started meditation but believe in it and being a God fearing women you need to pray day and night

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kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | May 10, 2018
In reply to @kishanvasekar "I survived severe heart attack about 7 years back.Surgery to remove clot, kidney failure, 35 days..." + (show)
@kishanvasekar

I survived severe heart attack about 7 years back.Surgery to remove clot, kidney failure, 35 days in ER and 4 days on ventilator support left me bedridden for 3 months.I picked up courage , prayed and prayed and recovered .It is almost miracle.Then as Chemical Engineer , I had to retire but I decided to study Heart Disease in detail including Alternate systems of medicine Ayurveda.I have developed simple formula , MYSPEED ie Medittaion, Yoga , Smile and Sleep well,Pranyam ( Indian system of breathing ) , Exercise , Entertainment and Diet control to prevent , cure and even reverse Heart disease.
After 2 years of intensive medication ,I started worried after getting muscle weakness of extreme type and looked for main culprit.It was Statin dose.I felt of developing Friendship with Cholesterol and worked consistently to reduce dependence on Statins.Ultimately I Stopped it about 4 years back.
I belive that Cholesterol by itself is friend and becomes foe only if in excess.So almost 80 % of heart patients can reduce Statin or eventually Stop and lead Statin free life like me.
If you are committed and can follow MYSPEED formula with BMW ie Balanced , Moderate and Worryfree life style you can join the discussion.I will be sharing my experiences as we progress.Thnaks

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Thnaks .Wish you very Best.Suggest your walking , Exercising In Sunlight to the maximum extent possible.Intense Prayers from the base of heart are always answered and Good for Heart.Be Happy , Smile and Spread Happiness.Blessings

REPLY
kishanvasekar | @kishanvasekar | May 10, 2018
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @kishanvasekar, Thank you for taking the time to share your story, and for your participation..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @kishanvasekar,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story, and for your participation on Connect. I am happy to see that you have found many different discussions to partake in, and to know that the changes you've made are working for you. Keep in mind though, that everyone is different and their health situation may vary from your own. Members should not advise other members to stop taking their medication. Please see the first rule of Connect’s Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/ The guidelines state:
1. Be careful about giving out medical advice

The value of a community like Mayo Clinic Connect, is in meeting people who have experienced similar issues, share information, encourage one another to learn more about their health, and for some, to take that information to their health care providers.
Mayo Clinic advises that people consult with their current care provider before making any changes to their existing medication or treatment plan. When considering complementary or alternative treatments, or lifestyle changes that can affect one's health, it is best to be open-minded, and learn about the potential benefits and risks.

I also thought you might be interested in reading this information from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF):
– There was insufficient evidence that statins benefit adults over age 75 with no past cardiovascular disease.

– However, it endorsed the use of statins in adults 40 - 75 years of age, without a history of cardiovascular disease, who have one or more risk factors for it (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking) or a 10% risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or similar event within the next 10 years. This is a "B" recommendation which means that there is a high certainty of substantial benefit from statin use in preventing heart disease.

– USPSTF guidelines concluded that over all, potential harm from low and moderate doses of statins was small. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/statin-use-in-adults-preventive-medication1?ds=1&s=statins

@kishanvasekar, there is so much confusing information and debate about statins, which can make potential patients hesitant to take the medication. I am not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice; however, I am concerned that people may be more worried about side effects and discomfort now, and not look at the effect high cholesterol may have on their health in the future.
I sincerely hope fellow Connect members and statin users – @yoanne @thankful @lynnkay1956 @fourof5zs @davelindemann46 @luckyg @botexas @mcphee @gibbs – will join this discussion, too; I'd really like to hear their experiences and insights about statins.

Jump to this post

Thanks.I have referred many websites , will revisit this also.My suggestion, Walk in morning before breakfast , in Sunlight if possible , Plant based Diet , Yoga and Meditation.God Bless

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jackj | @jackj | May 24, 2018

Lots of food for thought recently, which I appreciate. Some additional status info: I haven't been outside much the last six months, but I've always been an outdoor person so I doubt that a few months of reduced activity caused the large Vitamin D drop. But in any case, I'm working to restore my previous outdoor time along with the Vitamin D supplements. I exercise almost every day, aerobically 3 days a week, weight training in between another 3 days (so 1 day off). I further streamlined my diet compared to what I had been eating, which means now mostly vegetables, low quantities of meats (all lean, lots of fish), no fried foods, absolutely NO sweets. Kind of a combo of the Paleo diet and the Mediterranean diet, and I've been on this diet since shortly after my surgery (2.5 yrs). I've always worked to eliminate stress, and since I'm retired, I'm even more stress-free. I'm not a believer in prayer (open-minded about it's effectiveness) so that's about the only thing I haven't tried. That and Ayurvedic meditation, which I'm also open to.

I had mentioned that my symptoms lessened almost immediately after lowering my statin dosage. Still true (and still taking 10 mg per day vs. 40 mg per day before), tho I continue to have vision issues. I have recently completed an eye exam, and my eyes are fine. Still trying to figure that one out. I see my PCP again in 2-3 weeks so we will discuss that. The vision varies almost daily, which tells me my diet, or meds, or routine, et al, is making this happen. However, none of these changes much on a daily basis. The search continues.

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2 replies
peach414144 | @peach414144 | May 24, 2018
In reply to @jackj "Lots of food for thought recently, which I appreciate. Some additional status info: I haven't been..." + (show)
@jackj

Lots of food for thought recently, which I appreciate. Some additional status info: I haven't been outside much the last six months, but I've always been an outdoor person so I doubt that a few months of reduced activity caused the large Vitamin D drop. But in any case, I'm working to restore my previous outdoor time along with the Vitamin D supplements. I exercise almost every day, aerobically 3 days a week, weight training in between another 3 days (so 1 day off). I further streamlined my diet compared to what I had been eating, which means now mostly vegetables, low quantities of meats (all lean, lots of fish), no fried foods, absolutely NO sweets. Kind of a combo of the Paleo diet and the Mediterranean diet, and I've been on this diet since shortly after my surgery (2.5 yrs). I've always worked to eliminate stress, and since I'm retired, I'm even more stress-free. I'm not a believer in prayer (open-minded about it's effectiveness) so that's about the only thing I haven't tried. That and Ayurvedic meditation, which I'm also open to.

I had mentioned that my symptoms lessened almost immediately after lowering my statin dosage. Still true (and still taking 10 mg per day vs. 40 mg per day before), tho I continue to have vision issues. I have recently completed an eye exam, and my eyes are fine. Still trying to figure that one out. I see my PCP again in 2-3 weeks so we will discuss that. The vision varies almost daily, which tells me my diet, or meds, or routine, et al, is making this happen. However, none of these changes much on a daily basis. The search continues.

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hello. Does anyone know how The Mayo Clinic compares to The Baskin Palmer Eye Institute for a person who is going blind? Should I go to Baskin Palmer as vs The Mayo clinic? I would really appreciate your feedback. I am thanking all for any information on this anf I thank you. Peach414144

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