Cholesterol

[Droff]

I've recently been prescribed Lipitor due to an arterial blockage in the smaller artery behind my heart (40-50% blocked). The two larger arteries are clear. The Lipitor is to help with stopping anymore of a blockage. The doc prescribed it without any discussion on diet or exercise, just take a pill. I like red meat.

I have yet to take the meds due to side effect concerns on my part as well as I've got no other health issues going on.
Cholesterol - 163
HDL - 41
LDL - 109
5'11", around 170# and 59 yrs old.

If anyone is comfortable saying, are you taking Lipitor and have you had any side effect issues?
Thanks.

 

[Okiedog]

I've been on it for years without any problems.

 

[dlbleak]

I’ve been on it for about 8 months. I’ve had no noticeable side effects.

 

[sherrick13]

Some people have muscle/joint aches.

CoQ10 is supposed to help.

 

[ricco]

All statins work pretty much the same. I suspect your doctor told you to come back for blood work, liver damage is a low but possible side effect. The most common side effects are muscle pain and stomach issues. Since I am an active person and old muscle pain is pretty much a daily occurance. I ask the doctor about it and he said that statin induced muscle pain would be very noticable, it never happened. There were no other side effects either.

 

[trbii]

Was on Lipitor for about 10-15 years. No side effects that I was aware of. Slowly adjusted my diet habits and got off of it three years ago. My numbers are similar to yours.

 

[turkeyrun]

Dr prescribed it to me. I asked about why, numbers, goals, effects, ??????

LDL should be under 120, you are good.


Take an Omega-3 fish oil. Red Krill is my go to. Been taking it for 8 years.
Dr hasn't mentioned cholesterol since.

Not a fan of Lipitor.

Do a bit of research, fish oil is better, IMHO.

 

[TedKennedy]

There's a lot to study about cholesterol. It by itself isn't bad, but is more an indicator of damage. Cholesterol is generated to repair you.

I used to sweat it - I actually turned into a runner because my LDL was high and I refused to take statins. (I was in my early 40s) Running, diet, exercise will lower that number. Most folks refuse to change their habits though.

Now I kind of believe it's not as big a deal, and there seems to be a swing in the medical field that agrees with my statement. Eat right, exercise regularly, don't listen to rap and you'll prolly be good to go.

 

[HiredHand]

Optimally, your HDL number should be higher and your LDL lower.

 

[Gadsden]

I had very bad reactions from Lipitor, heart racing and then slowing, rashes and severe muscle cramps. I hear what happened to me is pretty rare though so I'm hoping you don't experience any of what I did.