Atherosclerosis and elevated LDL
Posted , 5 users are following.
After having severe palpitations, practically abolished
by Magnesium glycinate I consulted a cardiologist I like. After blood tests my LDL is too high 126 and a ct scan showed atherosclerosis of aorta. I have no signs of PMR as I reduced now to 4 3/4. Having lost muscle mass from pred am now very afraid of a prescribed statin- Livalo. In the distant past everyone was given statins and I could not really tolerate several others. This one is supposed to have less side effects.
Anyone here with experience with statin drugs and trying to get fit again?
0 likes, 10 replies
nick67069 karenjaninaz
Edited
I think LDL "normal" level is 119, so you are just above normal. My LDL is usually north of 130, and subject of statins comes up frequently. You did not post what your HDL is and HDL/LDL ratio, which is more important then just LDL level. If your ratio is less then 2 it is negative factor for heart event.
I would think twice before considering statins, especially that one of the side effects is muscle pain. You probably know that even PMR is listed as side effect for statins.
karenjaninaz nick67069
Posted
But Nick my ratios are good last few years. My primary doc and rheumy thought they were great but ultrasound shows atherosclerosis of aorta. Way back, when everyone was given statins I was tried on Crestor( head spun) Lipitor, Simvistatin, Welchol(non statin but gave me a bellyache)so the docs were happy with the ratios since then. Interestingly, my nephew who has mixed connective tissue disease, has totally clean coronaries and peripheral vessels. We are now trying Livalo for 30 days- If anything untoward then to be stopped immediately.
nick67069 karenjaninaz
Posted
I remember Eileen posted sometimes ago that statins have very limited impact in female patients over 50-55 and with no prior heart attack history. Basically it won't help you much and potential for side effects are still high.
Perhaps moderate exercise and glass of wine or two a day with proper diet would be more helpful ( and enjoyable too).
karenjaninaz nick67069
Posted
nick, i am striving to exercise but now the fatigue at 4 3/4 mg - I wonder at what level the fatigue abates.
The latest on cv disease recommends NO alcohol but I stopped drinking 33 yrs ago because of alcoholic family history.
Some statins do clear the plaque. Also my grandmother had a fatal ruptured abdominal aneurysm; I have a small ascending aorta aneuryrismic swelling. serious stuff- too bad. I'll try the Livalo for 30 days and see if I can stand it. Meanwhile Ill be followed by my cardio and take other measures.
nick67069 karenjaninaz
Posted
I am one of those exercise nuts 😃. Can't live without it. I have started very carefully mild exercise about 2 months after being put on pred. At that time I was at bout 12.5 or so. Gradually I have increased intensity and after 1 year I was able to exercise at the level before PMR. Being ex-triathletes helped, but out of three sports I could only do swimming and biking. Tried running and endup hurting my knee. While Dr thinks it is arthritis related, I think it is more related to connective tissue stress/weakness. So one has to be careful with exercise.
About fatigue - usually (for me) indicates lower pred dose then required. Even 0.5mg makes a difference. You can try it yourself and see if it works for you.
As far as alcohol, like anything else it is individual. I find that glass of wine (usually 2) helps me relax and nightcap of brandy before sleep makes my nights more comfortable. Also hot bath just before going to bed.
That is my ritual... Stay safe
karenjaninaz nick67069
Posted
Nick, , I wish I had your current athletic ability. Before PMR I was hiking in the Alps every summer and walking 3 miles several times a week on hilly terrain. Several co-morbidities occurred related to scoliosis(runs in family) and the 4 surgeries to correct it- the last being a revision at age 60 requiring going through chest and abdomen.: restrictive lung disease meaning less room in chest to expand lungs, small bowel obstruction from the abdominal entry when I was near death, developed environmental allergy to pollen and mold not helped by inhalers or pills, damage to lungs from exposure to fumes from workmen repairing my late mom's home for sale- a very brief foray to remove belongings and then PMR.
Being a retired nurse-anesthetist its ironic that I get really winded on some days doing simple things. I'm trying pulmonary rehab to expand my thorax better. Oh, I am fused T-4 to the sacrum to maintain the correction obtained- this means I cannot twist - however I am pain free.
nick67069 karenjaninaz
Edited
Everyone has limitations. Just do the best you can with what you got. That is all we can do.
Anhaga karenjaninaz
Posted
I don't envy you having to make a choice about taking this class of med or not. Were you given any advice regarding diet? Do you already follow a Mediterranean-style diet?
karenjaninaz
Edited
Anhaga, I believe 4 years of relative sedentary existence contributed. Pred can increase the LDL according to drug research. I am not a diabetic and have to eat small meals with some fat because I get low blood sugar. My sins are chocolate, and Irish butter. i am normal weight. I has several injuries in those 4 years which set me back: spraining my hip after trying a old exercise, four painful shin gashes taking months to heal and pirifiormis syndrome with my Pilates PT. oh I forgot I twisted my knee just turning in bed. All of these just set me back. Now on only 4.75 pred I am back on bike and treadmill with outside walks on pollen free days--- but my abdominal aorta shows atherosclerosis.
I love organic, cold pressed olive oil, fruits and whole grains.
EileenH karenjaninaz
Posted
There is a note on my hospital file - NO statins! Within a week of starting one I was almost in a wheelchair! Took months to get back where I had been before they smuggled it in without telling me - or at least, tried to! I asked what it was - objected loudly but was assured they would keep a close eye on me for adverse effects. There wasn't time for the hospital to see ...