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Complications with Statins
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.
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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?
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.
My deficiencies were: Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, and Thiamine. The worst by far is Vitamin D, for which I'm now taking supplements. And according to my nutritionist, D works with cholesterol--i.e., cholesterol is involved in the process of synthesizing vitamin D from sunlight, and without cholesterol, vitamin D synthesis would be impossible. The connection is not universally agreed on. My statement did imply all deficiencies were related to statin (because they lower cholesterol), but I didn't mean to say that. However, all deficiencies, for me, were a surprise, based on my diet and past readings. And since my cholesterol was lowered considerably, and nothing else in my diet, activity, or health has changed, it is a concern.
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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1 ReactionI 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
I would be interested in hearing what you have to say I've had a cholesterol problem for 20+ years but any of the stations hurt my legs so I quit taking them my legs have always cleared up but yes I'd like to join
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.
I will be sharing my experiences and how I Reduced Statins systematically.Needless to say , life style in USA is totally different .Food habits , Work and family stress etc are far different than India.Morever systematic Ayurvedic treatment is not available in USA.I only hope that Mayo Clinic is open to new ideas to live Healthy life after heart attack.I Can NOT and Will never recommend any medicine by myself.It is for the Cardiologist or health care taker to decide.I have Mayo Book on Healthy Heart and some other books also.Book Simple Heart Care by Dr Crandell talks about reducing dependence on Statins .It was my inspiration.Morever Mayo Clinic May like to conduct double blind studies to see whether Statin dosages can be reduced.I am reday to volunteer.
Thanks for reminding me about your protocol.
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1 ReactionWelcome.My legs used to pain beyond any imagination.I started Ayurvedic , Indian Medicine , Specail Panchakarma Treatment , Self Body Massage and of course Exercise.Intially I was hardly able to walk for 10 minutes , today I can walk for 35 to 40 minutes without getting tired or leg pains.I do take sometimes pain killers but not taking Statins .I regularly check Lipid Profile .It has improved , LDL is around 110 , HDL 45 and TGL 100.Yoga , Indian Breathing and Medittaion are my favourite time pass.In fact I lecture on topic Conquering Heart Disease or Happy Herat Mantra .I will be in US for 4 months from June last week to Sept end.
Prayers have very positive effect and I request you to walk in Sun , Pray , Clap and visualize that leg pains are gone.It helps.I DO IT .i only speak from experience .Thanks
You may try waliking In Sunlight and reducing Sugar , Salt , Refined oil and oily stuff totally.Suggest your getting liver function test and ensure everything is alright.Pl note I only speak from experience and generally talk to few Cardiologists before taking any decision.Somw how I get some intuition in my Meditation and I keep on trying different ways to reduce pains.It may interest you that my both failed kidneys also recovered .This was sort of miracle.My Infinite Faith in God has helped me.Sure it will help All. Thanks God Bless