Watch this for starters:
David Diamond- Demonization and Deception in Cholesterol Research
The lipid theory of high cholesterol causing heart disease is false. Your physician may not be keeping up with the latest information. I recommend you visit YouTube Channel “Low Carb Down Under” as a start. Statins are very dangerous and there’s been suggestions that statin use may contribute to dementia.
Took Simvastatin for about 15 years when diet and exercise would not do enough to lower it enough. I was actually on 80MG dose which they quit prescribing to new patients, but I tolerated it fine.
Last 2 years I’m on Atorvastatin only 40MG. Again, not having any issues.
My father had his first heart attack at a younger age than I am now. Same with his father. I’m attributing the fact that I’m asymptomatic for heart issue to the statins. That’s just me, of course.
I do not take statins, and I keep my cholesterol levels low through taking natural products. My doc did say, once, that most of his patients would “kill” for my good and bad blood levels of cholesterol. Fish oil capsules are a main part of my dietary regimen.
I don’t give med or dietary advice online (and you should not believe those unknown to you about anything, including me.) Please do some online searching, assemble the data and form your own opinion; and then check w your doc, even if it’s a second opinion.
Good luck in your info search and decision.
Many, many online sources on the topic, here is just one.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-fish-oil-omega-3-fatty-acids-lower-cholesterol-698137
Statins do reduce cholesterol, but will do nothing to increase your lifespan.
Read "The Great Cholesterol Myth"
There are several drugs in development that do not have the same side effects as statins, i.e. muscle weakness. The current PK-SD inhibitors on the market are effective but require infusions. There is a pill in development (FDA approval is imminent) from another company that is a once daily, cheaper and may be worth the wait. It also avoids the side effects of statins.
Listen to your doctor, or get a second opinion from another doctor and not random folks on the internet.
Now, if you needed a bypass operation, would you ask somebody on the internet to conduct the surgery?
Change your diet. Get a copy of the food pyramid and flip it upside down. High on fats and protein, low on carbs. Drink water and stay away from the booze for awhile. Most of all, start walking. Get some excersize. Turn off the tv. It’s all crap anyways.
If your hormones are off you can have a great many things go out of whack.
If there is something wrong get that fixed first.
If this is not a possibility for you, keep an eye out for side effects.
Dang. Tough call.
But if someone tells you to take them anally...I’d not do that if I were you.
There is no substantive proof that cholesterol levels have any connection whatsoever to heart disease. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
There have been numerous medical/scientific papers published concerning this subject. Several are recent studies debunking the “common knowledge” that it does.
Do your own research on this subject. GP’s are the medical equivalent of a handyman. They are generalists. And, generally most have little in-depth knowledge on such subjects.
A lot boils down to genetics. If your family has a strong history, the drugs can be good for you.
OTOH - what is your weight? Are you overweight? What do you eat? More than you need? How many miles do you walk a day?
Some people want to use a drug but don’t want to change their food intake or exercise. It really depends on your choice.
I usually am able to control cholesterol with diet. But if it does get out of the normal range I use 20 mg of atorvastatin and haven’t noticed any side effects.
Been on them after heart attack 2 years ago. No negative symptoms. LDL 66. Doctor says I’m low enough where there is some evidence that plaque could be reversing.
I was afraid of the side effects so I did the “clean eating” (no sugar, no white flour/rice/potatoes; lots of fruits and vegs, olive oil, smaller servings of meats & cheese, etc.) Was able to bring my bad cholesterol number down, and lost weight. Then exercised by walking more. I’m used to eating this way now and feel better.
Statins have worked for me, with no side effects. I have been taking aspirin daily for 30 years.
My ex-internist pressured me to take a statin, but I refused because my cardiologist (who is an osteopath) opined that I should try diet and exercise therapy instead. I did exactly that and mitigated the need for a statin. Flash forward five yeas, and my cardio doctor prescribed a generic statin at 50% of the lowest dose (I cut them in half). I still exercise every day, eat healthy, drink red wine etc., but after taking the statin, my blood numbers are amazing: Total cholesterol, 137; HDL, 52; LDL, 68; and triglycerides, 92. Yes, these are amazing numbers, and perhaps they are attributable to lifestyle changes; but honestly, I have been working out regularly for the last 45 years (I’am 60) and my weight hasn’t changed all that much (6’2”, 210 lb.). I give credit to the statin, combined with daily exercise and a balanced diet.
I am unable to take statins due to liver issues. I did work for a rather prominent Cardiologist that told me, as well as, his patients to NEVER take statins as the side effects weren’t worth it. Additionally he said that statins were for life and were just a temporary fix if your daily habits didn’t change.
And no side effects.