Should I take statins

As we get older our ability to process fats diminish and it's difficult to make much of an improvement with dietary changes. My cholesterol had gone up to 6, I've taken statins for 6 months, it's now 4 with HDL etc all in normal range. I've had no side effects tbh I wouldn't hesitate to try them. If you get side effects there are others that you can try.

I’m grateful to have them and I have no side effects 👍

If I hear yet another older person saying they have been offered to take statins, I shall scream! It seems to me there is an automated button the GP presses once you reach 65 even though the level might be acceptable. It seems weird not to explain , the letter is clearly just a general flyer, so for that reason I am torn as to what to do. Wait until next year's blood test sounds about right.

3 sounds a very low cholesterol level to be introducing statins.

My gp practice sent letters to everyone over 70 inviting us for a blood test. From there onward the pharmacist dealt with results, my cholesterol was just over 3 but because of family history suggested I take statins. The first lot gave me dreadful side effects but he changed the brand and all is now well.As others have said if it prevents a stroke its worth doing

I’ve been given the option to take them. Mine was 5.8 my good cholesterol was very good apparently, so the choice is mine.
I’m overweight and don’t exercise much, but the Dr said changing my lifestyle wouldn’t help. I’m going to wait until my next birthday when I’ll have another test then decide. I’m 66.

I’ve been taking them for 30 years and find that the lower dose suits me. If I take a higher dose, that the doc recommends, I get a lot of stiffness and backache. My cholesterol is 5.5 on the lower dose but you have to think of quality of life.

I'm wondering the same thing Susytish, mine has been high for years. I had an NHS health check recently and it had risen again. I agreed with my GP to review in six months during which time I'll make some serious effort to reduce it through diet and exercise. Unfortunately he said age and genetics were the biggest factors and nothing would change them so he was doubtful my efforts would have a significant effect. I expect I will be taking them by next summer but better that than a stroke or heart attack.

This is a discussion you should be having with your GP. Please do not stop taking them without consulting with him/her first.

I've taken them for years, family history is very bad. My cholesterol is still 5 plus. Think they're worth taking.

I've been taking statins for a few years. When I suggested coming off them my doctor did an assessment, family history etc and didn't agree. I've stayed on them and my cholesterol is excellent. Fortunately I don't appear to have any side effects.

I have just started taking statins after a long discussion with my GP. I am 77 and have had AF. I also disovered they reduced the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer. I would rather give them a try than have a stroke.