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Should I take statin or not?

Posted , 3 users are following.

mostafa58800
mostafa58800

I hope some one with similar conditions to me could answer me. Here are the results of my blood test:

LDL:146 mg/dl

HDL: 55 mg/dl

Total Cholesterol: 228 mg/dl 

and I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, also I do have a family history with Atherosclerosis. Blood pressure and glucose level are normal.

Should I start taking statins or not? Knowing that I'm 50 years old.

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • ann68675
    ann68675 mostafa58800

    Posted

    For UK  readers the conversion factor of mg to mmol/L - the SI units used in Europe -- is 38.7 so these values in mmol/L  are cholesterol: 5.89,

                                                                     HDL 1.42 

                                                                     LDL 3.77

    Ann Marshall (Fellow of Institute of Medical Laborotry Sciences)

  • MickE
    MickE mostafa58800

    Posted

    Thats a difficult one, theres been so much about the pros and cons and none of us are qualified to judge and even doctors do not agree. My consultant is always on to me about it as like  you I have AF. I also have 4 stents. But my Cholesterol is around 5. But I also suffer with anxiety and my BMI is ok, so as some I have talked to,most, have given up  taking it due to muscle pain, I have chickened out. But each of us must decide. I already suffer with tension and do not want to add to it. Some seem to tolerate it fine and thosands are taking it. Sorry if thats not much help though.
    • mostafa58800
      mostafa58800 MickE

      Posted

      What was the need for the stent? Was your cholesterol level before above 6 or what happened exactly that lead to stents?
    • MickE
      MickE mostafa58800

      Posted

      cardio vascular disease, 2 arteries had become partially blocked over a period of time but my diet and life style are different now. Have you looked at the other posts here for reaction to statins?
    • mostafa58800
      mostafa58800 MickE

      Posted

      Yeah, I have checked a few posts stating some side effects, that's why I was worried about taking them. Why cause your arteries to be partially blocked? What was your cholesterol level?

    • mostafa58800
      mostafa58800

      Posted

      In your opinion, can my cholesterol level partially block my arteries? 
    • MickE
      MickE mostafa58800

      Posted

      I don't know if it is just about cholesterol, I have not got any figures of past readings but mine is about 5 now, which is not that high but consultants prefer a 4 if you have history of cardio vascular problems. My point is that I no longer smoke and have not for about 20yrs. My diet is also better and I have lost some weight, although never obese but I am now on my BMI as on the upperside of normal. I think that certainly from my point of view, you have to look at the whole picture and then decide for you. Some doctors are very pro statins for everyone over a certain age and loads of people take them but most people( by no means extensive or representative)I have spoken to had to give them up, due to side effects. They were generally with higher cholesterol levels than mine. In the wider picture you have to think for daily quality of life as well as long term health. Good luck with making your own decision, Mick

    • MickE
      MickE

      Posted

      so what did you do in the end?
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