Should I take statins

The brain contains the highest level of cholesterol in the body so I am wary about taking anything that might interfere with cognitive function.

Where exactly is the proof that they work and it isn't simply a change of lifestyle/more public information? Also, there is some research that LDL may not be the culprit. I'm not advocating anyone avoid Statins if they feel it's right for them, simply read as much as you can. It's very muddy out there.

ReadyMeals, I have heard of people experiencing pain elsewhere other than legs. I should ask your Doctor for advice.

I am ok for blood pressure and just on the right side of the 5 or whatever for cholesterol but with somewhat low good cholesterol. But I am overweight (aged 71). Doctor said I could choose to go on statins as a preventive measure. I did... but I am getting disabling wrist pain that gets better whenever I stop the statins and worse when I restart. Pain wakes me at night and stops me using my hands. Well I have heard of leg pain with statins but is anyone else getting wrist pain with it?

I was advised to take statins as well. Instead I read A Statin Free Life by dr-Aseem Malhotra. Very convincing.
Best wishes.

After having blood tests last year for a gall bladder removal op it was found I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I never had any health problems nor took any meds at all until this aged 70. Since the op I was prescribed statins and blood pressure meds. Although reluctant my friend a highly trained theatre nurse said "what would you rather have? Two small pills or a stroke"? My question answered there, I feel fine, cholesestrol down to 4 (from 7) and blood pressure normal. I feel so relieved that this problem was found.

GPs seem very keen on prescribing statins to those over a certain age. My DH was urged to take them and does now take a low dose. When urged to increase the dosage after a blood test where his cholesterol had gone up fractionally and his heart consultant was not at all worried, he declined, in view of the fact that the urging came from a phone consultation with a pharmacist attached to our GP surgery, who clearly knew nothing about him or his medical records.
It has never been suggested to me but I've not managed to see my GP since 2019. I have reviews for my medication of Naproxen and Fostair but these are now by phone and usually with a nurse practitioner or pharmacist.

My husbands oncologist told him to stop taking statins because " they take too long to have any effect" . I'm certainly not telling anyone to take or not take but talk to drs first . Everyone is different .

I take a tablet which isn't actually a statin but does much the same job. I can't take Statins as I get pains in the muscles in my legs.

After my annual blood tests I was called in to talk about statins. I don’t need them as my cholesterol is fine but was Asked did I want to take them even though I don’t need them. Our pharmacist told me that doctors get paid by drug companies for getting people to sign up for statins. HOW IMMORAL IS THAT ?

I have had high cholesterol for at least nine years and have had the same conversation with the doctor/nurse over that time about taking statins. I am not overweight, I exercise a lot, don't smoke and eat fairly healthily but it remains high. I am now 74 and the nurse finally convinced me to take them. I did so for 6 weeks and for all that time I have lots of aches and pains and also recurring mouth ulcers. I decided they are not for me but everyone has to make their own mind up.

I stopped taking statins following a discussion with a GP. For a couple of years I had really bad muscle aches and days when I was really in despair at the pains in my body. I have arthritic hands and knees but these pains were something different. Despite the suggestion that I could try a different statin I decided that I would not do that. I am walking a lot more and managing to lose weight slowly. I do realise that this might not greatly change my cholesterol level but I shall feel better for being more active and shedding the flab,

I have been recommended to take statins for a while now - cholesterol level is just above 7. I don’t have high blood pressure though, so have decided to leave it a while. Apparently, I do have some large gallstones though. Not sure really whether to try them or not.

I work as a stroke nurse. Statins are proven to be effective against secondary prevention of heart attacks and strokes. If on statin with side effects, inform GP as alternatives available. I have been on statin for 18 years as familial cholesterol so I’m happy to stay on for life. X

susytish

Glorianny What is a C-reducing drink please?
I have just been prescribed Avorostatin 20mg. I was given them 2 years ago and didn’t get on with them at all, and stopped them. They reduced my cholesterol though.
They are sitting there in the packet, looking at me! Don’t want to take them!

Benecol yoghurt drink is one benecol.co.uk/, but supermarkets have their own brands. They contain plant sterols and they have worked for me.

Susy The same ones that are in a bag in the cupboard but they have only been here for a couple of weeks. I can’t see them but know they are there.

Glorianny What is a C-reducing drink please?
I have just been prescribed Avorostatin 20mg. I was given them 2 years ago and didn’t get on with them at all, and stopped them. They reduced my cholesterol though.
They are sitting there in the packet, looking at me! Don’t want to take them!

Because health is a matter for both the individual and their doctor. The individual knows their personal and familial history, they can research and look at alternative treatments and remedies and come to a decision. The doctor can advise about what the difficulty is and what drug treatments are available. You can then decide what route you choose to take. Asking others about their experiences can help with your research.
If I had chosen just to go with statins the NHS would have had to supply me with them. By choosing a more natural way I've saved them money.
Taking responsibility for your own health is something everyone should do.

Possibly because there is debate about statins and it’s not always doctors who prescribe. In my case it was a pharmacist.
Common grans?

If your doctor says you should take them, why ask common grans their opinions?

My total ch level is c 7.8. But when I queried GP who wanted to put me on statins, he eventually agreed I had the healthiest level in his practice as you need to dig down and find out the HDL versus the LDL rate and the ratio between the two.

I refused statins a couple of years ago and read around the subject quite a bit. However things have changed and have various health issues including cancer and am not able to do the exercising I used to . after speaking to pharmasist, doctor, and various other people I have then decided to take them. I have had blood test etc and so far am fine on them and as I am 78 have decided that this is helpful in my main plan to be able to remain independant and run my own life with my own choices made after looking at all the pros and cons .

Crazygranma and others what side effects did you encounter. I have been on Avorstatin 20mg 1 a day for 3 mths now and feel dreadful. Had blood test done 3 weeks ago waiting for results. Not seen or spoken to a GP regarding statins only health care person and pharmacist.

Doc suggested statins as my cholesterol reading was 6. I agreed, but after a couple of months of every side effect you could think of and one that they deem to be rare, I took another doctor's advice to stop taking them asap. A week later and I was back to my usual self. Avorstation really messed up my body chemistry! I have no wish top repeat the experience!

Sparklefizz

Has anyone tried plant sterols to reduce their cholesterol, and if so, did they work?

Yes I tried them and have successfully reduced my cholesterol to an acceptable level. I was advised 18 months ago that I should take statins- not a particularly high level, but I was 77 and age counts! I refused, having a maternal family history of women living into their 90s. But I stopped eating butter and replaced it with a sterol rich spread and had a C-reducing drink every day. Test last month showed my C-level was now acceptable. I'm currently trying fewer C reducing-drinks a week. They do work, but they're not cheap and you do need to take them regularly for a decent length of time.