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DH aced his physical and blood work today. I have seldom been more proud. He'd lost some weight with his nightly walks, his systolic went from a consistent 160+ to 127 and his lipids are all normal.
However, due to his age, our PCP wants to put him on a statin drug. He says it will lower his risk of a heart attack, even with "good" test results.
I haven't heard of this before. Is this general practice now?
If you care to talk about it, what about his stooped over and stooped shoulder posture and walk you mentioned? and his falling down? I understand if you do not wish to talk about it. I just remember it from your recent posts where you mentioned those as problems.
DH aced his physical and blood work today. I have seldom been more proud. He'd lost some weight with his nightly walks, his systolic went from a consistent 160+ to 127 and his lipids are all normal.
However, due to his age, our PCP wants to put him on a statin drug. He says it will lower his risk of a heart attack, even with "good" test results.
I haven't heard of this before. Is this general practice now?
Was there some hot young pharma rep hanging out in the PCP's lobby?
Without knowing all of his test results, it's hard to tell.
Some physicians will start people on statins who have normal total cholesterol and lipid results if they have other risk factors for heart attack such as a family history, previous heart attack, normal cholesterol level but higher LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels. Statins help raise HDL (the good type of cholesterol) which has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. How much is still debated but studies have consistently shown that statins are beneficial for increasing the amount of HDL and decreasing the potential for heart disease.
I am on a statin (Lipitor) as high cholesterol runs on both sides of my family. Cholesterol is 85% heredity and 15% diet. I am 47 years old and just started the statin. My younger brother has been on them since he was 37 and my younger sister since she was 40 so I consider myself lucky. I think that I lasted the longest since I am vegetarian and exercise.
I have not had any major issues with the statin as of yet. I have had some muscle pain with it and it makes me tired a bit but nothing really serious. The most irritating issue with it is that it makes me thirsty.
I know several people that had bad muscle problems with Stations and I won't take them. My Dr is OK with my choice because I tested very low on the scale they used to indicate the need. Two people I know were reduced to hardly being able to walk, no thanks, think I'll pass.
If you care to talk about it, what about his stooped over and stooped shoulder posture and walk you mentioned? and his falling down? I understand if you do not wish to talk about it. I just remember it from your recent posts where you mentioned those as problems.
He's to get physical therapy for the off posture and so far, he hasn't fallen again. We have agreed to start him on core work to improve his balance. Once he was made conscious of the stooping, he's made the effort to stand up straight.
I was walking behind a fifties-ish friend of ours tonight and noticed he has the same off-kilter posture. Too much sedentary work sitting on a wallet, I think.
The industry is moving away from a focus on LDL and instead recommending a statin for people between 40 and 75 who have a 7.5% or greater risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years. Our PCP said that based on DH's age alone, he has a 15% risk.
You should read the article for more information but that's it in a nutshell.
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