Medications to treat FMD

Posted by julesv11821 @julesv11821, Feb 14 8:33pm

I was diagnosed with FMD in January 2021 after having what I thought was vertigo after moving some furniture. I didn't go to the ER until a few days after this incident and was diagnosed with a vertebral artery dissection that caused a stroke. I had imaging that first year but haven't had any imaging since then. I was prescribed Amlodipine, 81mg Aspirin and Atorvastatin (40mg). Everything I have looked at lately just recommends the antihypertensive and the baby aspirin. I'm not sure I need to be on the statin since I've never had high cholesterol prior to the FMD diagnosis. I have also read a fair amount of negative effects of statins in regards to Alzheimer's and dementia. With a family history of dementia and Alzheimer's, I want to avoid anything that could increase my chances of getting that too. Just wondered if I could stop taking it and stick with the Amlodipine and the aspirin. Thank you

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gloaming | @gloaming | Feb 14 9:58pm

Very reasonable inquiry. My response, very inexpert, is that a statin has three important properties:
a. suppression of the liver's ability to produce cholesterol;
b. calcification of existing plaque deposits; and
c. it's a mild anti-inflammatory.

In view of your new diagnosis, those three qualities should...SHOULD...slow the development of further deposition, harden what plaque is extant to stabilize it (and maybe helping to stabilize your arterial walls), and it helps to keep inflammation away so that further deterioration, and deposition of plaque as a result of inflammation (yes, it's a thing), will keep your arterial walls that much healthier and immune from further deposition of plaque.

This is just a guess, but it's something you might wish to investigate, including asking your prescribing physician to explain, again, why he/she thinks a statin is important for you.

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