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When the first statin drug was approved, we were cautiously optimistic. Lovastatin (Mevacor) was introduced in 1987. Four years later, we published a book titled Graedons’ Best Medicine (Bantam © 1991). We wrote that Mevacor was highly effective at lowering LDL cholesterol. But we did note that “Mevacor may actually increase one important risk factor for atherosclerosis called Lp(a).” Fast forward 30 years. Why in the world would lovastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin and other statins remain controversial more than three decades later?
Statins Rule!
After 34 years, you might imagine that people would be bored with statins. That does not seem to be the case, however. Statins remain controversial in part because they dominate the pharmaceutical marketplace.
Statins are among the most prescribed pharmaceuticals on the planet. The last time we checked, atorvastatin (Lipitor) was taken by over 21 million Americans. Add in other statins and you end up with well over 200 million statin prescriptions dispensed annually. If there are 30 pills in a bottle (and many prescriptions are now sold with 90 pills), you would end up with a mind-boggling number of swallowed pills: 6,510,000,000. That’s over 6 billion in the US alone.
Statins have made a ton of money for the pharmaceutical industry. Some pundits have placed total statin sales at 1 trillion dollars. That is a number that is hard to comprehend.
Many Doctors Don’t Think Statins Remain Controversial:
A physician recently wrote to chastise us:
“I write about your article, Can Statins Cause Transient Global Amnesia? I agree with your remarks except the first part. To begin your piece, you wrote:
“‘Statins remain controversial.’ Then you say: ‘Most physicians insist they protect the heart.’
“Taken together, these remarks will cause many people to believe that statins are inappropriately prescribed by doctors and that they are not really beneficial. That contradicts the guidelines of all orthodox American medical groups. Those who deny the value of statins for the population as a whole do not represent the standard view.
“Physicians do not ‘insist’ that statins protect the heart. Evidence proves that they protect the heart and other organs too.
“You do your readers a disservice by casting unwarranted doubt on this valuable class of drug. Mountains of solid medical research from all over the globe show the very favorable risk/benefit ratio of these drugs.
“There are some controversial issues associated with statins. (1) What side effects do they cause? (2) Are there some groups where the risk/benefit ratio does not favor their use?
“Any drug can cause side effects. I believe that statins cause cognitive changes in some people (as you argued), along with other undesirable side effects. Some people cannot tolerate statins, but the vast majority can use statins without problems. If statins make you sick, you should work with your doctor to change the medicine.
“The main point for your readers is this: For the millions of Americans who meet the guideline criteria, the benefits far outweigh the risks.”
The Statin Wars and Statistics:
We appreciate this physician’s perspective. It is the mainstream view of most cardiologists. Guidelines encourage physicians to prescribe statins to almost every man over the age of 64 and every woman over 70. That is regardless of risk factors.
Statins remain controversial because of questions about side effects and the balance of benefit to risk. Many people assume that statins represent a magic bullet against heart disease, heart attacks and premature death. They may conclude that if their LDL cholesterol levels remain low, even if they eat burgers, fries and milkshakes, they have nothing to worry about. And many physicians assume that side effects are minor or nonexistent for most people.
People don’t always understand the absolute benefit of statins. For example, a Lipitor ad many years ago stated enthusiastically that this drug (atorvastatin) lowered the risk of heart attacks by 36 percent. That was a relative risk, though.
The manufacturer put an asterisk beside that number, which led to an explanation of the absolute risk:
“That means in a large clinical study, 3 percent of patients taking a sugar pill or placebo had a heart attack compared to 2 percent of patients taking Lipitor.”
The way we interpret this, only one person in 100 over the course of the five-year study actually prevented a heart attack by taking Lipitor. In this study, no lives were saved.
Statins Remain Controversial Because Some Cardiologists Disagree with Their Colleagues:
An analysis by three cardiologists in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine (Aug. 3, 2020) concluded:
“This analysis highlights the discordance between a well-researched clinical guideline written by experts and empirical evidence gleaned from dozens of clinical trials of cholesterol reduction. It further underscores the ongoing debate about lowering cholesterol in general and the use of statins in particular. In this analysis over three-quarters of the cholesterol lowering trials reported no mortality benefit and nearly half reported no cardiovascular benefit at all.”
Did you understand that conclusion? “No mortality benefit” means no lives were prolonged or saved in the majority of clinical trials. We suspect that comes as a shock to most physicians. The idea that well-conducted clinical statin trials did not always lead to longer life seems like heresy. And that is why statins remain controversial.
But Wait…There’s More!
JAMA Internal Medicine is a highly reputable, peer-reviewed journal. An analysis of data from a study called SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) offered some intriguing conclusions (JAMA Internal Medicine, April, 2018):
“Participants in the SPRINT trial 65 or 70 years or older without diagnosed CVD who were taking statins at baseline had no significant differences in primary outcomes compared with those not taking statins with or without adjustment for nonrandom statin use.
“We still do not have sufficient numbers of primary prevention trials to make strong recommendations about statins in intermediate-risk populations (6%-12% 10-year risk), at least on the basis of survival. Yet even in this relatively high-risk older adult population (22%-25% 10-year risk), significant reductions in cardiovascular events were not found.”
You can read more about the guidelines and why statins remain controversial at this link.
Should Everyone Over 65 Take a Statin to Prevent a Heart Attack?
Statins can help prevent a second heart attack in middle-aged people. What about older people? Will a statin prevent a heart attack in the first place?
We know that many cardiologists believe 1) that statins prevent heart attacks and strokes and save many lives annually and 2) that statins have few, if any side effects. We have no doubt that such drugs do save lives. How many remains controversial. And when it comes to statin side effects, that too remains highly controversial.
We close this article with an editorial from Rita Redberg, MD, MSc. She is a highly regarded cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. She is also Editor-in-Chief of JAMA Internal Medicine. She is as mainstream as they get.
Dr. Redberg and a colleague offered this perspective (JAMA Internal Medicine, Jan. 2017):
“Using the current data, the decision aid shows that of 100 people who take a statin for 5 years, only 2 of 100 will avoid a myocardial infarction [heart attack], and 98 of the 100 will not experience any benefit. There will be no mortality benefit for any of the 100 people taking the medicine every day for 5 years. At the same time, 5 to 20 of the 100 will experience muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and increased risk of diabetes.”
You can read more about Dr. Redberg and the Statin Wars at this link:
Do Doctors Hate Stories of Statin Side Effects?
Have you ever experienced statin side effects? Some cardiologists think stories of statin side effects are fake medical news or worse, fear mongering.
Why Do Statins Remain Controversial?
The physician who contacted us believes that:
“For the millions of Americans who meet the guideline criteria, the benefits [of statins] far outweigh the risks.”
That is doubtless the mainstream medical view. We always recommend that people with heart disease and those at high risk should follow their doctors’ guidance, which may well include statins.
We recognize that many patients do not experience statin side effects. But we have heard from thousands of readers about irreversible muscle damage, cognitive impairment and other serious complications. So, statin side effects should not taken lightly.
Statins do remain controversial even after three decades. We fear the statin wars at not over. Read more about other risk factors and dietary strategies to reduce risks in our eGuide to Cholesterol Control & Heart Health.
What Do You Think?
Please share your experience with statins. If you have tolerated the drugs well, let us know. If you have experienced statin side effects, please share your story in the comment section below.
Larry
Why oh why oh why do we all continue to nod at the unquestionable truth that statins do of course have a positive risk benefit for those who have had a heart attack?
Could be true. Ironically, that is just the sort of unexamined truism that these articles go on to dismantle in their review of statin effectiveness as a primary prevention.
Where would go to find the studies that are so persuasive, repeatedly so, that statins are unquestionably effective for secondary treatment to reduce the risk of mortaly for those who have suffered a heart attack?.
We once believed that what you are questioning was unquestionable.
Show be the recentbscience, pls.
And thanks for your good work.
Frank A
I am a healthy 70 y.o. female with treated stable hypothroidism. My PCP advised a statin a year ago due to high total cholesterol and LDL levels. I decided to take it twice per week to lessen the burden of possible side effects on my body after doing some research. Over a 6 month period my levels are all normal. I paid out of pocket for two lipid panels every few months to be sure. My PCP said to stay with the 2x per week since my levels are where they should be.
I thanked her for accepting my information as valid when I saw her for my annual checkup. She is not threatened by an “active patient” and I appreciate that.
Jim
I was put on the lowest dose of Simvastatin when I was in my early 60s (80 now). Never noticed an issue. Was eventually moved to pravastatin and still did not notice any issues. But two years ago after a negative nuclear stress test I had two stents put inside my heart and was immediately put on Lipitor. Within a few months I was noticing aches and pains in my shoulders and hips. Finally got to the point where I could not pick up a full cup of coffee for breakfast as the pain made feel like I would drop it. Asked my cardioligist to let try zetia after reading about it in your newsletter as an alternative. Now I have no noticeable muscle pain. We will continue to monitor my lipid panel and see what happens.
Carol
My doctor and I discussed statins at my physical last year. My cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL are all within normal ranges. There is a history of heart disease and diabetes in my family. My blood sugar is normal but my A1c runs between 5.0 and 5.8. She wanted me to start on a stain. I explained my concerns about side effects. This year at my physical she did not request a lipid panel. When asked why, her reply was that I refused to take a stain. Now I am weighing the benefits of a taking statin against the possible side effects. I am surprised and disappointed that she will not continue to monitor my lipids. Perhaps it is time to change doctors. I don’t want to make a decision that will hurt me in the long run whether it be on statins or not. How do I know if and when a statin will be appropriate? I really wish my doctor was willing to work with me.
Mary
I am currently in a rehab facility recovering from a mild stroke 2 weeks ago. Have been put on several meds, including Lipitor. Within a couple of days my knee arthritis got much worse, and my legs started aching all the time, in spite of pain killers. Last Friday my right hip started aching, and I got a sharp pain from there down my leg. I refused the med that night and the next, because I knew about statin’s possible side effects, and am now back to the way I was before the stroke. My physician has been informed. I will see her tomorrow.
Kristine
Thank you very much to those who have shared their experiences with statins.
I am a 62-year-old type II diabetic; while my cholesterol numbers are not bad (they could be slightly better) my cardiologist thinks I should be on a statin because of the diabetes. It’s stories about negative side effects that have kept me from trying a statin. I thank People’s Pharmacy for continuing to update us on this controversy.
Loren
I was prescribed Lipitor in 2008 because of my elevated Cholesterol and my family history. In 2009 I had a TGA event – lost my memory for about 30 minutes. After going to the ER and having a battery of tests, the diagnosis was TGA and I was told that they don’t know why they happen and most people only ever have one. I had a second event in 2015 – and went thru the same tests with no answers. After a number of internet searches I started seeing many stories of others with the same type of events, and that was the first time I had heard that “maybe” it could be tied to the Lipitor. After talking with my doctor, and having some other muscular/joint issues, I have switched to another statin – and waiting to see what happens. Of course, as I read and study more, I’m not convinced the use of a statin is the best thing in the long run, regardless of my family history.
Linda
I experienced brain fog, memory problems, balance issues, anger and personality changes, and significantly increased carpal tunnel symptoms while taking simvastatin, PLUS uncontrollable, extremely explosive diarrhea that was virtually unannounced. The diarrhea issue did not show up until over three years after I started the statin, increased to multiple times a day, but went away within a month once I stopped taking the statin. I have met other people who also had this problem while taking a statin. While it won’t kill you, it ruins your life. NEVER AGAIN!
Why do so many doctors question the side effects? It’s because most of them are not taught about them in med school. Unless they’ve changed, the typical medical textbook on pharmacology only mentions muscle pain and possible liver damage when discussing the statins. At least, that is what was included in the textbook for an ‘Introduction to Pharmacology’ class that I took in Spring of 2011. The information for the other categories of drugs was much more complete that it was for the statins.
Doctors don’t LISTEN to their patients. Even when patients experience muscle pain while taking a statin ,( which indicates muscle damage), doctors keep trying to push those patient back onto a statin. This happened to a neighbor of mine and also to other people I’ve known.
QUALITY of life is important. Taking a statin does NOT guarantee that you will not have a heart attack. The old adage about “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” applies here. Being able to function in your daily life WITHOUT PAIN or other side effects is better than MAYBE avoiding a heart attack BUT being in severe pain for the rest of your life due to the statin.
Kim
I would so love to see a history that explains why we are so worried about cholesterol in the first place. What studies concluded that cholesterol was a culprit? As an RN I would like to read them.
I remember my dad trying to get his cholesterol below 300. I remember people being told not to eat eggs, red meat, and shellfish. I even remember when monounsaturated fat was considered a culprit and people were warned away from peanut butter. I also remember when an article came out that said that the sterols in shellfish weren’t treated the same way in the body and that shellfish were safe to eat. Now I’m hearing “don’t eat shellfish” again because it’s high in cholesterol.
And when and why did we switch from “Don’t eat cholesterol” to “Don’t eat saturated fat”? and why are we back at “Don’t eat cholesterol” again? And when did triglycerides, LDL, and HDL enter the picture, and where is that original research?
Stan
In my 60s I took statins for a few months. My joint pain gradually increased so that I could barely walk. I stopped taking them and lost a few pounds, then started intermittent fasting. My blood numbers improved and have stayed good. I’ll soon be age 75 and can hike and bike many miles every day.
SUSAN
Oh my gosh, statins! I am very sensitive to a lot of medicines but statins make me feel like I have the worst case of the flu ever! I have tried numerous statins with the same results. I ache so badly I cannot get out of bed or move around! I tried to keep taking them but had to give it up. My doctor kept telling me that I needed to take them.
Luckily I have a diabetic pharmacist who knows his stuff. He told me about a once monthly shot, Repatha. People who have bad side effects on statins say they don’t have that with Repatha. I actually have not taken it yet. Wish me luck!
Tim
I’d guess that I’ve been on various statin brands for 25+ years.
I currently take Atorvastatin, 40 mg., once daily. In the past I can recall taking Simvastatin, Pravastatin and at least one other brand name.
I certainly fit the family history CVD criteria. My father died of a sudden MI at age 40. My paternal grandfather retired early at 55 due to heart disease but remained active and seemingly healthy until felled by a massive stroke at 69.
I will be 72 soon, have been physically active, generally speaking, for all of my adult life. Other risk factors include cigarette usage from age 18-55, an occasional cigar even today, moderate alcohol usage, and a weight gain of ten lbs. in the last year.
I didn’t notice concerning side effects for some time but in the last four-five years I have felt significant pain in my quad muscles whenever I stood from a seated position. It became so frequent and intense that, about 18 months ago, I stopped taking Pravastatin without consulting my cardiologist.
The pain in my quads disappeared completely within a week or so. When I finally fessed up to my doctor, he was pretty taken aback and convinced me to change brands, to Atorvastatin. I’ve had no more quadriceps pain with this brand but more recently I have become concerned about my immediate short term memory and a perplexing need to reread recipes, directions, etc. along with the hopefully common experience of forgetting why I ventured from one room to another. Under stress, I sometimes find it difficult to recall with precision what I may have done in a day. I usually recall but with much more effort than is usual. My long term memory does not seem to be significantly affected
Is it time for another conversation with my cardiologist?
MARSHA
My doctor suggested I read about the incidence of heart attack and stroke in women over 65. I’ve had high cholesterol since it was first measured at age 30. I am slender, not overweight, exercise a lot daily, and have no heart issues. My diet is very clean.
My internist and HMO really were pushing statins, and I finally gave in. During a 90-day trial of low dose Lipitor, I instantly had a range of negative side effects including dark urine and rabdomyolosis; severe muscle cramps. Notifying my doctor, she told me to continue taking the drug. I did until I noticed my hair coming out in clumps and decided that was an unacceptable outcome, and I stopped taking Lipitor. My hair has never recovered, and I’ve suffered with hair loss since.
Kristin
The controversy over statins remains because different bodies respond differently to statins. I tried three different prescribed statins over 10 years, and all three caused my jaw to start locking.
Even though my doctor insisted (yes, insisted) that my jaw problem was caused by something other than the statins, my reaction was absolutely consistent: Within 3 months of starting a statin, I began to get pain in my jaw, and it got more and more difficult to move. Then, each time I stopped the statin, within a few weeks my jaw pain and locking disappeared. That was enough proof for me, regardless of what my doctor (who is no longer my doctor) said.
I then tried over-the-counter Red Yeast Rice supplements, a “natural” statin. Well, just like the prescribed statins, it did lower my cholesterol, but it also caused my jaw to ache and stiffen, so the RYR is also out the door.
HOWEVER, as the article states, that is just MY experience with MY body. Statins may work fine for you with no side effects. But I will never take statins again, and my current doctor is OK with that because I’m not overweight and I get a lot of exercise. My main bit of advice is not to JUST listen to your doctor….they are human, after all, and can be wrong. Also listen to your own body, and do your own research to learn more about whatever you take.
Mary
I am 74 years old. I have mitral valve prolapse and a calcium score in low 300s. I am on magnesium for PCVs. My cardio put me on Atorvastatin about two years ago.
Last year, I began having “side effects” that I believe may be attributable to the statin. I began having memory problems; simple words elude me. My liver enzymes – SGOT and SGPT – became slightly elevated. Most annoying is a low level nausea that I experience every day. I have had GI tests which show nothing. I believe my liver situation and memory problems and nausea may all be due to the statin. When I see the cardio later this month, I will ask him about the symptoms.
Catherine
My cardiologist tried to put me on two different statins, and I was so achy from each one I could barely move. My cholesterol was 210, and my primary doctor was concerned about that. I figured if they wanted a lower cholesterol count then I would do it naturally. I took, and still take, CoQ10, turmeric, red yeast rice, and psyllium. I brought my cholesterol down from 210 to 178, and my primary doctor was thrilled. There has been no more talk of statins!
Earnest
I was prescribed Lipitor “as an abundance of caution” after two arterial stints. I questioned the doctor about my need (no history of cholesterol problems). Two week after beginning the dosage, I developed anaphylaxis and nearly died. I am 88 with no cholesterol issues.
Nancy
Thank you for this article. I feel vindicated for not taking statins, although it’s been a battle for a long time with cardiologists. I have never had high cholesterol, had misdiagnosed LAD blockage, later ruled out, and had been put on statins for that. The doctors have gotten upset because I wouldn’t take blood thinners AND aspirin AND statins at the same time. Aspirin makes me feel sick. I’m afraid of blood thinners without a very good reason to take them, and statins cause muscle pain. Regardless of side effects, I’ve been pushed to take these.
Sherry
I was put on atorvastatin at least 10 years ago by my primary doctor. My cholesterol was a little high but my triglycerides were highest. My cholesterol ratio was good. I noticed brain fog but didn’t attribute it to the statin. I had a stroke in 2017, I believe, because I suddenly stopped taking low-dose aspirin. The statin did not protect me. I am still on atorvastatin at a higher dose, and the brain fog is terrible. I am going to ask my new primary doctor to advise. I am 69 years old so I always wonder if it’s aging.
Dawn
I have anxiety, PTSD, and CPTSD, all largely managed with chemicals and cognitive behavior therapy. Added statins. At a full 40 mg, within 2 days of taking it, I experienced extreme mood swings and violent urges. Dropped back to 20 mg, and moods became manageable. There are quite a few studies about people with mood disorders having problems while on statins. I think this needs more awareness. My mental challenges are known and being addressed, but I suspect a sizeable population have undiagnosed and unmanaged mood disorders that worsen once they start on statins.
Ed
Nearly 20 years ago my primary care doc prescribed a statin, ‘not for my needs then, but for later when I reach 80 years of age.’ I have taken them since that time and am now 76. My current PCP has me on 40 mg Atorvastatin because I mentioned slight muscle aches, thinking it was from going to a gym several days a week. My doc is interested in quality of life, thus the change. And, my aching has disappeared. Other than that, I haven’t noticed any side effects, and my cholesterol is below 200.
Thomas
I have Crohn’s and irritable bowel. Statins stopped my digestive muscles cold and bound me up horribly. No way would I ever try them again. I know they can cause muscle damage but that may include involuntary muscle and peristaltic actions also.
Carol
I had several docs prescribe various statins & dosages over the past almost 40 years. I experienced intense and debilitating muscle/joint pain and stopped them all immediately.
I am now in my late 70s and have had high cholesterol for the past 40 years. I had one incidence of A-Fib and for a time an arrhythmia a few years ago. Magnesium supplementation made all the difference in the world for me. I do not take Magnesium oxide or citrate. I take one of the type that is chelated with an amino acid, such as glycine, lysine, threonine, etc. I am not on heart meds and have normal to low blood pressure. I take only a thyroid supplement. I am one who believes that high cholesterol is much preferable to the statin side effects.
Joe
The anti-statin doctors advise against statins unless you have had a prior cardiac event. If most studies show little benefit why would that change for a person with CABG bypass or stints?
Barb
My late husband took Mevacor in the 80s. His cholesterol remained in the 250+ range. He had over 29 side effects with long-lasting health effects. He eventually took Welchol And Zetia. His cholesterol lowered to 180-, and he did not experience side effects.
Karyl
Any thoughts on Naicin? From what I read it was used routinely to lower cholesterol prior Statins. Of course you don’t need a prescription for a vitamin.
Larry
I quit taking statins due to a long list of side effects which at first I attributed to aging (peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, muscle aches, brain fog), but after quitting the statins the side effects went away. My doctor knows not to try to convince me to take them again. My sister died of ALS after taking statins.
Ronnie
I took statins for a couple of years. I was on several different ones because of the side effects. When I first told my doctor that I was having the side effects he did not believe that they were related to the statins. I had so many aches and pains that I couldn’t move. I took large doses of NSAIDS every day, and I gained 50 pounds. It took months after I stopped the statins for the pain and fog to go away.The NSAIDS ruined my kidneys in the process.
MD
If I remember high school biology correctly, cholesterol is needed for proper brain function. Is there a connection between the number of “seniors’ that are also being medicated for memory loss, confusion etc.??
I was on Lipitor, Zocor, Niaspan and Voltarin together, Crestor and one more that I can’t remember… I encountered short term memory issues, bone and muscle pain, total loss of appetite to name a few. NONE of these lowered my cholesterol by more than 10 points, yet my glucose went up (still at 98 and can’t get it down), my good cholesterol went down 10points.
I am an avid walker. I make 98% of what we eat. I have a deathly allergy to tree nuts, and seafood gags me. Two different dieticians told me the only thing I could do to improve my diet is to eat tree nuts and/or fish. We go through 8 pounds or more of oatmeal every month. We eat fresh fruits/vegetables, whole grains; even the ones not commonly eaten – millet, amaranth, quinoa, wild rice, barley. I tried red yeast rice with no benefits at all.
So now what? My cholesterol runs in the 240 area.
Trish
Many years ago my cholesterol started to increase – not blood sugar or triglycerides – and I was put on statins. I clearly experienced brain fog and very serious muscle pain. Went off statins for a while, and it seemed those side effects went away.
After an electrical problem in my heart required a pacemaker, I was put on blood pressure meds, and my cholesterol again became concerning. Was put back on statins. My brain fog and muscle pain immediately returned. We clearly knew that statins were the culprit. I immediately went back off statins ,and I continue to have high cholesterol even though I eat a very, very healthy diet, and my blood sugar and triglycerides are normal. At 76 I have no heart disease…. my experience with statins.
Joye
So many questions!! I am very confused about taking the 20 mg Lipitor my cardiologist prescribed in February, 2021 after the Endarterectomy on my right carotid artery. I am 74 and have eaten a healthy diet all my adult life. My total cholesterol is 215 — Triglycerides 61, HDL 104, LDL Calculated 98.9.
My heart tests are good. My cardiologist and I haven’t discussed in detail yet, but from what I have read, the plaque in my artery may be from uncontrolled high blood pressure over the years (although I have been on 2 medications) and genetics. My concern is memory, especially after the past year being alone and isolated, and damage to my liver and muscles.
I have been doing Transcendental Meditation twice a day for relaxation because I am challenged by anxiety and depression. Also, I have increased my walking on a daily basis.
Thanks for listening!!
Lanier
I almost died from ischemic colitis (which is like a “heart attach” of the colon). Since taking atorvastatin 20mg, my cholesterol went from 200 to 137. There is no therapy for my type of artery blocking, so this, along with other heart-healthy lifestyle changes is my only hope.
As a retired physician, I say that you need to consider your risks of a heart attack such as family history (a big one), heart-healthy diet, and exercise. If your Mom, Dad or siblings have/had a diagnosis of atherosclerosis (blocked artery anywhere in the body), and you don’t exercise or eat burgers, fries and fried food–you should decrease your cholesterol. Change your lifestyle choices OR get good life insurance to take care of your family.
George
I had 4 way bypass 22 years ago. I”ve been taking 80mg daily of atorvastatin with zero side affects. I exercise vigorously 6 days a week ,& watch my diet. I”ll be 96 shortly.
Judith
Ultimately, I stopped statins completely because they gave me horrible, excruciating leg & foot cramps that jolted me out of bed nightly! Even after trying different lower dose stations (crestor 5mg daily) . stopped it for a month, went back on it with Coq10 for a month. Cramps returned. I cannot take them despite having had a NSTEMI in 2018.
Phyllis
My cardiologist told me that studies on people over 75 were not done. Taking a statin was up to me. Since I am nearly 89, already diabetic (T1D) with A-fib, I decided even minor side effects were not worth trying. I already concentrate on keeping my blood glucose in range and poor sleep is often a problem. My cholesterol is not a problem at this time.
Martha B
I tried every Statin the doctors prescribed snd was hit with nausea and aches every time . After we quit trying 2 years ago I have been left with unexplained chronic nausea and I blame it on the Statins. Have had every test you can have to explain the nausea and nothing does but after months snd months of trying different Statins snd bring nauseous I blame the Statins.
Rick
Thank god we have resources like this to turn to. This space is much too limited to relay my 20 y history with statins… laughable elliptical reasoning, shaming, condescension ….repeat. “Absolute” benefit just isn’t addresses. Thank you.
Michele W
I took statins for a while about 20 years ago. I ached all of the time and I had horrible itches on my arms that I could not relieve. It took 15 years for the itches to subside. My total cholesterol was about 260 with HDL Over 70. After an annual checkup my dr, who I liked, had her assistant call to ask where I wanted my prescription sent. I said I didn’t want to take statins. I wrote my physician a letter and said if I couldn’t discuss this with her, I had to find a new doctor. She never responded. I found a new doctor who punched my numbers into a computer program and told me to forget statins. We moved to Texas, my new doctor told me to have some tests and if I had little or no plaque, we would not talk about statin or cholesterol again. No plaque at all. Case closed
Daniel
It has been my experience that family physicians and cardiologists prescribe statins as a standard of care. When I challenge them about side effects, they pooh-pooh the supporting medical evidence. Numerous physicians have intimated that high cholesterol will do more damage than side effects from statins. Easy for them to say; they don’t feel the effects. For someone experiencing side effects the answer is to prescribe a statin from another manufacturer with a different formula. I am dumbfounded by the stance by the vast majority of the medical community on statins. It’s like: don’t believe what you see; believe what I tell you you see. I’m 70 years old. I’ll believe what I see.
Cecelia
I really appreciate your giving the commenting doc an opportunity to be heard. This is well written.
Kathleen
My mother ended up in the hospital twice with pancreatitis after taking statins. My younger brother takes them and can’t even grocery shop by himself any more. They scare me to death. Eating right is far less risky.
Barbara
My sister and my husband both experienced mild cognitive impairment when taking statins. I am a psychologist which may have made me sensitive to those changes early. They both discontinued the statins and had no lasting effects or heart disease.
Mark
(I read this somewhere so not original — but important commentary).
A comment from a book review about cholesterol:
“My sister works as a nurse in a cardiac practice.
Her observations after 30 years of experience.
The most important factors regarding heart attack
#1 family history
#2 smoking
#3 stress”
She did not include high cholesterol as a factor.
Marco
Excellent article!
Jill
I tried a low dose of red rice yeast which has same active ingredient as many statins. I soon got severe muscle weakness and aches that limited my ability to ascend stairs at 48 years old. I discontinued the supplements and the symptoms reversed in 3 weeks. I would not risk this again or use any statins.