MrsDoubtfyre .....

When I learned about the large study showing that those with congestive heart failure experienced a far higher rate of death if they were taking statin drugs, I was concerned. THEN when my CHF suddenly worsened, despite significantly decreased weight, increased exercise, and diligent monitoring of my blood pressure with immediate steps to bring it down at the first sign of even modest increases --- It was overwhelmingly depressing to have this sudden unforeseen significant overnight worsening of my heart's ability to maintain my circulatory needs.

Well, I spent a few months thinking on it and then told my doctor I was going to try it on Niacin alone (as statins had done such a poor job of lowering my cholesterol, tho I had an high HDL level). An Rx change to Advicor made a difference - a statin combined with 500mg of Niacin. I had, in the past, also taken 500mg of an OTC flush-free Niacin, then my doc put me on Niaspan 500mg. I have now asked him to prescribe me Niaspan bid.

Before I went back to the store for Niacin, I researched some database medical articles and found one doctor saying that "no-flush" niacin is not nicontinic acid, but a form of niacin that is not "available". He said only the sustained or prolonged release forms should be used. I studied labels and found one (nicotinic acid) from what seems a reputable pharmaceutical house (hope hope). I have found it very nice to use - the Niaspan dumps the niacin on me with harsh intense flushing for 5 or so minutes (and I've been taking Advicor and Niaspan for 5 years now with no diminished flushing).

So while I am pleased that I can take 2 at a time without turning red as a beet, I still find myself concerned about whether I am taking a brand I can rely upon. I would appreciate your advice. My doctor wants me on my new regimen for 4 months before he next checks my triglyceride levels.

Please search PD forum and PN and Medications using
"statin"

I have posted reams of data, about this subject. First off, you need to determine if you really need to lower cholesterol at all.

The entire cholesterol myth has been created by drug companies to sell drugs. The original Lovastatin (Mevacor) was designed for people with genetic hyperlipidemia... cholesterols over 350. ( I knew a patient who had 800!)
Then they decided to get everyone on the bandwagon.

Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebvNyKnM8EA

Visit www.spacedoc.net for more data and links.
The list of diseases connected to statins is growing by the day.
http://www.joimr.org/JOIMR_Vol7_No1_Dec2009.pdf

Niacin is safer, but less effective. It raises blood sugar, and may cause liver damage with time.

So if your cholesterol is really really high... Niacin is a good idea, perhaps. If it is 200-250... well, that is another matter.

Deciding what to do with cholesterol drugs remains a very thorny subject and each person must decide for themselves.
Unfortunately your doctor will not help with this decision--they only have one point of view. They won't even respond to your complaints or side effects:
http://www.medicationsense.com/artic...cts012108.html

You must read up and decide for yourself.

Dear MrsDoubtfyre ....

Again, another Wow. And this one a real soul-shaker. I had had muscle twinges the first month or so when I was first put on statins 5 years ago. Yes, my cholesterol was in the 300 range, but my "good cholesterol" has always been high (enough, all docs have said, to have a strong protective effect).

Yes, I got right-sided heart failure, now well controlled with an Ace-inhibitor and a beta-blocker, paired with a mild diuretic, but that was brought on because no one had ever told me that severe obesity and a practically immobile existence born of disability and the internet, plus not recognizing that even under-going even a week or two of very high stress-triggered blood pressure could ENLARGE my heart and give me a condition that would require life-time monitoring and control, and worse, that it was a PROGRESSIVE DISEASE. All I ever heard about was heart attacks and cancer.

Anyway, this matter about statins --- I had become very suspicious and unbelieving in the research as journal articles and research began to increasingly tout statins as a wonder drug that could help what is proving to be a majority of the US population. Thanks for letting me see that it is anything but... Snake Oil Salesmen.

I am so happy you are here so I could ask you questions.... I know I have possibly upset more than a few people with my post on Support & Service animals, but it needed to be said. I look at my incomplete sentences, and now wonder just how much my brain fog is a result of my now tiny dose of Lamictal ... and how much statins might be implicated....

Thanks again...
Theresa

I've been taking immediate-release niacin for over six years. I've take 2 grams twice day for the most part with no elevation to my liver enzymes (indicative of liver damage). Every time I switch to three times a day dosing (4 grams/day total) I always end up with elevated liver enzymes. For this reason, I would never consider extended- or sustained-release forms.

The flushing effect does get better over time. It also helps to take it after a meal with a glass of water. During the first year, I also took an aspirin 45 minutes before each dose.

I was already exercising quite vigorously when I started and my HDL was 32. Initially I took it to raise my HDL cholesterol and it did raise it to 42. My total cholesterol did drop slightly, as did my triglycerides. I've since learned that focusing on total cholesterol is pointless. At one point my total was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled.

I've now eat much differently a year and a half later. My total cholesterol is now around 180 and my HDL 70. Earlier this year, I had to discontinue niacin and simvastatin because of elevated liver enzymes. I had changed my diet several months before and I expected my HDL to decrease significantly. I was shocked to see it increase from 42 to 52. My GP asked which med I wanted to start again and I chose niacin. My cardiologist later remarked that he would've put me back on a statin instead.

A complete NMR lipoprotein analysis was performed after being off niacin and simvastatin after 3 weeks. I had a very high LDL particle count and high number of small, dense-LDL particles. A couple of months later on niacin, I ordered another test myself from an online service and was please to see that my LDL particle number was halved and the number of small, dense-LDL particles had decreased by 2/3. My Lp(a) is also very low. Niacin is the most effective agent (besides saturated fat) for increasing HDL, lowering Lp(a) and small, dense-LDL particle count.

Lipo-a is a protein that is genetically transmitted. If one is low in this it is highly significant and a good marker for less risk of Heart Attack. But since cholesterol levels are questionable anyway, I'd look at inflammatory markers more like c-reactive protein! Also triglycerides are more problematic.

I had this test, and mine was very low.
My cholesterols vary between 220 and 240 now. And that is fine with me. (My highest was 270, but I got it down with one supplement---Bioperine!) However, Bioperine may interfere with many other drugs, so most people cannot use it safely as yet. Maybe when more studies are done, it will become more common.

Well, I cut out the statins at least 6 weeks ago and I notice that my memory seems much better.... but this evening I noted that my propensity to "pick the wrong but same-sounding word" and to write incomplete sentences and to make endless spelling errors seems to have fallen to levels that I have not experienced since......

and I think back.... and they started about the time I got on disability, thus on Medicaid... And I was put on statins AND on Lamictal (lamotrigine) at virtually the same time, but as seizure meds are known for memory problems, I blamed them ... tho I was disappointed that even at only 100mg a day for several months now, my typing and memory were as rotten as ever.

If it hadn't been for the links you provided me, I'd still be in the dark and clueless about my improving memory. I called my mom and told her about it - she was first put on statins 5 years ago and all of us figured she just had alzheimers... but maybe not. She decided to go off it. Afterall, when you are almost 84 and have no signs of carotid clogging, you probably won't live long enough for a statin to make a huge difference. She eats a very low fat diet anyway and is very active.

I got to thinking about my cholesterol levels - and realized that I really don't remember how much they are (I've only asked for printouts a couple of times)... and I've decided to get a copy of the very first three - on nothing, on statins, then on the statin-niacin combo... and finally my 3-month on niacin alone reading. I'll get back with all those numbers someday.

I love the photo of your cat. I got myself a kitten for Christmas - and she is a very domineering fearless cat.... but also so loving, cuddles and snuggling and licks... And the dog adores her - they are so darling cuddled up together sleeping or the dog on her back while the cat gnaws on her throat.

Hope you still get to your summer retreats along with your cat...

Teri