Jump to content

SAH and statins


Recommended Posts

Hi all 

I am having conversations with my doctors about taking Lipitor (statin drug). My GP and cardiologist recommends it (I also had atrial fibrillation the week after my SAH) and had been taking Lipitor for years. I had my SAH 6 weeks ago.  My neurologist does not want me to take the Lipitor as there is some research suggesting that for people with SAH statins can increase the risk of another bleed. Are any of you taking a statin or run into this controversy?

thanks - it's confusing to know what to do.  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have taken statins on the highest dosage since they first came out about 30 years ago and nobody in the medical world has said for me not to take them since my SAH. To be honest, if I didn't take them I would be in real trouble, already had severe blocked arteries before my SAH and 4 years ago had a heart attack in spite of taking them. My cholesterol is extremely high, a genetic defect. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I too have high cholesterol which is hereditary. I was initially given Atorvastatin (Lipitor) but was changed to Simvastatin. The reason for this was because you should not take Atorvastatin if you have had a stroke whcih SAH is a form of.

 

I probably have more chance of having a heart attack if I don't take my statin then having another SAH. You have to weigh up the pros and cons and discuss with the specialists.

 

Clare xx

Link to comment
Share on other sites

ClareM, could you provide any more info why you think you shouldn't take Atorvastatin?

 

I was switched from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin a couple of years ago when I complained of cramp in my ankles when walking. If I recall correctly the GP said it was because they were  "less harsh".

 

Incidentally the cramps didn't really get any better but I'm still on Atorvastatin.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Iain - we can't give medical advice or provide information as to why you should or shouldn't take certain medicines - the ladies above can share what they are taking and why they have been told THEY should take them, but you need to see your own GP for clarification I'm afraid.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, Skippy said:

Iain - we can't give medical advice or provide information as to why you should or shouldn't take certain medicines - the ladies above can share what they are taking and why they have been told THEY should take them, but you need to see your own GP for clarification I'm afraid.

 

Hi Skippy - I fully understand and maybe I didn't make myself clear.  I'm certainly not going to ignore my GP in favour of something I read on an Internet forum (no matter how good and knowledgeable all you people on here are).

 

However, I would be really interested to hear the background on this as it directly contradicts my situation. l don't think I need worry, but a bit more info would help me decide if I need to research further and then potentially have a discussion with my GP.

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The information regarding statins comes from the patient information leaflet that states;

 

'Atorvastatin may not be suitable for you if you have had a previous stroke with bleeding into the brain.'

Note I have highlighted the word may.

 

I discussed this with my gp who thought considering that advice he would change me to Simvastatin. Everyone differs and has different side effects to drugs. The most important thing  is to take advice from the professionals. My friend who has had a stroke is on Atorvastatin and so are many others. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I take them because my Doc wants me to lose weight, I would rather not take them.  I shake rattle and roll already.

 

Does he listen sheesh NO !!

 

Dropped 2 dress sizes and am an old dear cannot afford to lose more off my face !!  Botty maybe ha ha

 

Love

Win the Wrinkly

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you Clare, I am going  to ask  but in my case I suspect the benefit outweighs the risk as I have tried others that either do not work or give me horrendous side effects. Trying the new injection is being talked about now because it has now been approved by NICE. Goodness knows how much that will cost.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for the update Clare.

 

The leaflet then goes on to say  "....your doctor may need to carry out a blood test before and possibly during treatment....".  

I have regular blood tests so I'm now a lot happier that my GP knows what he's doing and that the advice you received was specific to you rather than a blanket "avoid Atorvastatin" warning!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Clare,

i had the same issue and I have very high cholesterol. My neurologist thought statins could have contributed to my SAH. They thought I may have had something rare called PRES,( posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome), and that statins were not a good mix with it. 

After over two years they finally feel it's safe enough for me to take. Sure hope so! Haven't started yet!

i wish you luck in balancing it all out,

Mandie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...