Saturday 20 July 2013

Stopping my statin

I am a 55 year old and am taking a statin for my cholesterol. Can I stop taking this pill?
Well, it depends on many facts. Statins, I believe are heavily prescribed for many patients who do not need them. If you are not obese, do not have high blood pressure and your cholesterol is well controlled, you do not need to take a statin.  Statins are expensive and you have to take them for life. I usually tell my patients to  change their diet, exercise and control  their weight. If this works, there is no need for statins. 
In your case, stop the pill, change your diet, exercise regularly and get your cholesterol measured in 4-6 weeks- if it is on the low side, dump the pill.

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