I had some blood work done. The tech did all the labs shown on file. Anyway, I didn't fast as I wasn't expecting the cholesterol test, that was supposed to happen next year. My numbers were up just a bit from last time, but not all that different from when I do fast. I've been running just over 200 for total cholesterol for a while, with fasting. The nurse called in a prescription for cholesterol meds. We still need to have a "chat" as my numbers are consistent (which she mentioned in her online message) however, risk of cardiac event is up a bit. aging!

No history of heart disease, no family history of heart disease, BP under control, lots of exercise which is good, blah, blah blah. My risk of cardiac event in the next 10 year is just over 10%. Trying to decide if I want to take this medication, with potential for side effects. I do know I can give it a try and see what happens....I also know I'm not thrilled about tossing back more pills.....

I know a few of you have faced heart issues and are likely on meds, what about any of you that are may have cholesterol that may need medication? Just curious and taking notes.....

 

Those are the exact words I would have used to describe me the day before my triple bypass. My cholesterol was never really high yet I ended up with three nearly completely clogged arteries!

 

Yikes!!

 

Huh? Stress?

 

100% blockage in my right side heart artery. The day before I was lifting heavy in the gym and that same night was sparring. Survived it with no real damage and feel lucky.
Now to the statin part of
the story. Massive rash developed one year post statin. It was horrible. I couldn’t sleep, had hives and bumps all over. The only thing that helped was icing. The rash typically lasts 6-9 months after stopping the statin. I can’t offer an alternative, so it’s not a particularly productive post.

 

Take a calcium scoring test before you make any decision about statins. It measures calcification in the arteries to determine your risk of heart attack or stroke. My GP brought up statins. My total cholesterol is a bit over 200. I had no intention of taking them. So I took the test. The score ranges from 0 to 100 - the higher the number the higher the risk. Well, my score was 0! So that ended the statin discussion.

 

It's complicated. My local buddy, a soon to retire GP with Kaiser, has cardiovascular disease with zero calcification. I technically have the disease but with light calcification. I have no measured significant blockages in my heart or carotids. I have had a ton of tests/scans as I have a dilated aortic root from taking ciprofloxacin.

If you take a statin, BE SURE to take CoQ10. It is good for you stand alone but necessary as statins actively deplete your carcass of it. My GP buddy has said all his patients on statins that had side effects including muscle necrosis onset, had the symptoms completely alleviated by taking CoQ10. Get the expensive stuff or the stuff from Costco. The cheaper stuff will take about 2-3 months to get to a therapeutic level but as you will take it for the rest of your life, who cares?

Statin use has been linked to a reduction in dementia issues. That is a very good thing.

 

I read about that test, Deb. Medicare doesn't cover it, says it's not definitive enough. I understand it's not too costly, a friend had it done. It was determined she did have an issue and she went on the meds. After being on them for a while, she had leg pain. She discontinued, leg pain gone.

Rick is on his 4th statin. This one has worked well with no side effects. He had much higher cholesterol numbers than I do.

Was your issue with the meds the potential side effects, Deb?

 

Good to know! I was at 201 for cholesterol mg/dl and 140 for LDL mg/dl in February 2024. I said no to another drug!

I'll ask for this test at my next checkup.

 

Yes, plus I do not like taking meds unless I can be convinced I really need it. I do take a couple which I benefit from, so I am not completely stubborn. So far I am happy with the decisions I have made regarding treatments and meds I have refused. I do have good medical insurance that covers most of what Medicare does not. Everyone needs to make the best decisions for themselves. They may not mirror mine.