I was on various statins and dosage and due to side effects, eventually was switched to Nustendi, but during the chat with the consultant he said the statins don’t need to be in your system at precise levels every single day and most statins have relatively long half-lives and their cholesterol-lowering effects persist for a period even after you take them, so patients on certain statins with longer half-lives (like atorvastatin or rosuvastatin) who need a lower effective dose, the patient could take it every other day and would still work, but the main challenge is remembering which day to take it - it’s easy to lose track of the pattern. Which suggests missing occasional doses isn’t a crisis, though consistency is best.
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I’ve been on statin and clopidogrel for just over 11 years. I was prescribed Clopidogrel immediately the stroke, cause by a PFO, was diagnosed.
PFO was closed and consultant said the’d keep me on Statins and Clopidogrel as a “belt and braces” approach.
Despite being extremely fit, active and a (generally!) sensible diet they found I’ve got a naturally elevated cholesterol level. After check-ups I’d get asked to go to the surgery and given a leaflet about healthy eating, loosing weight and exercise - I was a keen amateur racing cyclist and was still riding (but not racing) approx. 10 - 12 hours a week and weighed 74kgs.
I had a review / check-up with a cardiologist and mention the elevated cholesterol level and he said he wasn’t concerned at all because yes my “bad” cholesterol is high high but ratio with “good” cholesterol was exactly what he’d like to see and laughed when I told him I’d been given leaflets on healthy eating, exercise and weight loss
Like few of us it took several different statins before the finding the one that didn’t give any side-effects. Cardiologist said to me that they start with the least expensive see how that goes and then change brands.
After several different statins I’ve been on Rosuvastatin for around 10 years without any side-effects. I was always advised to take the statin at night and it was suggested to take the Clopidogrel at the same time as less likely to forget to take it.
On several occasions I’ve forgotten or not be able to take one or other for several days - longest gap is probably a week.
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That’s exactly what I do too.
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I too am in both for the past 4y. Having red up about statins, feel I need to speak to my GP to stop them if not excessive ldl or Tryglceride.
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Hi @dbs - thank you for sharing your experience of statins and clopidogrel. I wonder if you might clarify something for me. You say you have a naturally elevated cholesterol level but the cardiologist was not concerned as the ratio with good was what he would like to see even though the bad cholesterol is high.
My question is, are statins affecting your naturally elevated level or is it still high even with the statins. I would like to understand exactly what statins are doing to your cholesterol levels.
Thanks in anticipation.
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Hello John - Welcome to the community and thank you for sharing your clear and concise experience of using statins and clopidogrel. 
Namaste|
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Welcome John
Thanks for sharing and hope u r ok to continue doing so.
Welcome friend…..
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Hi ManjiB - excellent question! yes they’ve bought the bad cholesterol down a bit but it’s not where the practice nurse would like it
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Hi @dbs - just so that I am absolutely clear, is it the case that you have been on statins to lower cholesterol since you had your stroke 11 years ago, but even with the statins the cholesterol level is not down to what the “target” level should be?
I am trying to understand how “natural” high cholesterol is managed, or indeed whether it can be managed. You mentioned being extremely fit, active and following a sensible diet, but that you have a naturally high cholesterol level. I understand there are people who fall under this category and if statins can’t/don’t lower this “natural” version, is there any point in taking the statins. I just want to be clear I am talking about what is referred to as “natural” as in your case.
Thank you.
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My consultant told me that the statins serve two purposes, reducing LDL and stabilising arterial plaque. The latter is why I continue to dutifully take my statins, as my LDL isn’t high any more (thanks to the statins).
I’ve recently read these articles which discuss natural high cholesterol and take a deeper dive into good vs bad cholesterol (it’s more complicated than your GP will tell you). They’re a bit technical in places but informative.
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Morning! ManjiB it’s dropped a bit over the years but still every time I have blood test I’m told “it could be better” although it’s a bit difficult to take the comment seriously when it’s being given to me by someone who’s clearly over-weight!
When I was discharged from hospital after the PFO closure the consultant said if it was up to him everyone over the age of 40 would be on statins as the benefits far out weigh the risks”.
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Thanks dbs - that is very interesting.
There is much to think about especially now that I am reading (and I am not sure if that is something that I need to worry about) how many of the things we/I have been told about/following might not be right after all e.g. BMI, cholesterol.
@harimanjaro - thanks for sharing the articles. Interesting but heavy going as you suggested
Agreed there seems to be a lot of conflicting evidence out there. BMI is a great example were people say things like “oh you can’t trust BMI look at the England ruby team they all have a high BMI - cheerfully ignoring that those players are elite athletes and their weight is predominantly muscle not visceral fat!
I’ve had people say things “but look at you - you were slim and fit and had stoke so it’s no guarantee etc.
What I do now is that the consultant said to me that it was my fitness that saved my life - my stroke was described as “massive”
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I think there is a lot to be said for a good diet, lifestyle and regular exercise. Every now and then there are things that are absolutely not in your control (within reason). As an example, in the days when smoking was fairly common, I chose not to smoke myself, but nevertheless, I was exposed to the toxins when I was working in the office, when I was out socialising in the pub or eating out in restaurants. Might not seem like much, but passive smoking cannot have been good.
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Hi ManjiB, dbs,Harimanjaro,
Some interesting stuff, I did read both articles heavy going but interesting. I think it’s true theres a lot of natural perfectly normal variations and one size does not fit all for sure (or so i believe).I think ManjiB observation about a healthy diet Lifestyle and regular exercise has much merit. The thing about passive smoking is something ive not considered but yes I think could be very relevant i remember it being said passive smoking could be more harmful (though i know no scientific basis for that?). It makes you think. Certainly a feature of my generation amd like you I never smoked.
However thats water under the bridge (For me anyway) - how the drugs are taken is of interest now.
DBSObservations struck a chord - fit healthy etc similar to myself you cant do more to help yourself and yet a naturally raised cholesterol level. Again a bit like me. I think for us this is normal thought im sticking with the statins obviously! Im on artorvastatin - seems ok for me (?) but I bear in mind rouvastatin should I need a change it seems to work well for many.
Excuse my ramblings I find I’d all very interesting my thanks to everyone for the detail and experiences. Please let’s all keep sharing?
Richard - these are not ramblings You are engaged in a chat that is of interest to you and the other participants. When people respond, it’s because they are interested in what you are saying, or they would like to share similar experiences or learn from others.
This is a free thinking, free speaking forum where members come and stay as long as they like. There is no obligation whatsoever on anyone - totally free to participate in any way they wish.
For me, this particular topic and its related subjects have been of long term interest, way before I joined this forum and way before I experienced (second hand) what it (might) mean(s) to be a stroke survivor. I am only a stroke survivor by proxy - I advocate for my Mum and as such I feel as though I understand stroke a little better than someone who knows someone or someone who cares for someone.
I can accept that this might not be the same as actually being a stroke survivor, though of course can I categorically say I am not a stroke survivor? I don’t think so because there is more than one member on this very forum who has stated that they had a stroke for a long time, sometime many years, but it was not identified or diagnosed. So I am not going to think I may not have had a stroke.
Many years ago, I asked for an annual health check thinking I was super healthy for the reasons we have mentioned, lifestyle, diet exercise etc, but much to my surprise I was told my cholesterol was high. As this was my first instance, I was put on statins without any discussion of alternatives etc. I took some and read the leaflet and I may have completed the course and after being re-tested, there had been a small reduction, but not what I would consider significant. Based on this and the side effects, I decided to stop the statins and explained to my GP I wish to manage this naturally. I was given some dos and don’ts and off I went.
There weren’t that many changes that I could have made as I was already “doing all the right things”, but the natural high cholesterol was there. Ever since then, various GPs have spoken to me (there are many locums at this GP practice) and so I rarely see the same GP more than a few times. Some offer me statins, in fact all offer statins. There was only one who I saw a few months back who actually said, it was OK for me to carry on trying to manage the cholesterol naturally.
So you see Richard - I too can ramble, perhaps more so than even you
Just one more thing - given I have been made aware of my high cholesterol and its implications, I have tried to manage this naturally but so far nothing I have tried has worked, not even the statins (they made a small dent) as do other things.
I have tried:
- apple cider vinegar, (organic) with mother
- some commercial yoghurts that claim to have been proven to reduce cholesterol
- almonds
- various fruits and vegetables etc. etc.
But so far nothing.
So I am not sure why they all fail, but I am happy that my body is doing what it has been designed to do and I shouldn’t stress it unnecessarily.
And here endeth the ramble #5.
I was first put on statins after my yearly MOT at the drs. My level was borderline. So the Dr said due to my Dad having had a couple of minor strokes and a cousin having a stroke that unfortunately made him have no use of his body it may be worth going on them. I decided it was best I did go on them. The first batch Atorvastatin didn’t agree with me and after the stroke was put on Rosuvastatin 10 mg. These I have been able to take ok. 2 weeks ago I had blood tests done and my levels have dropped and the Dr said he’s happy the tablets are working. Now also since the stroke I and my wife have been eating more healthy. No processed foods no ready meals etc. All fresh cooked food. More fish, meat , vegetables etc. Now that could be why my levels have dropped. Who knows but I’m quite happy to take the tablets because I will not no if it’s one or the other. And I’m not taking the chance to find out.
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Good morning Gnasher,
The change of diet is interesting - since I was always pretty good with lifestyle & diet etc i am also trying this since my second stroke - it seems the only thing I can improve on! While family are close i do live on my own so it’s not easy but I am doing more fresh veg more fish (haddock breakfast) porridge oats, plenty of roast chicken (no salt) dinners. It’s hard to avoid sauces for curry but Im open to suggestions! And willing to learn. The Australian stroke foundation has a brief 2 page guidance on diet which I have found easy to follow. Ive found getting variation problematic too. Your end line says it all i too prefer not to take the chance.
Im very interested in Rouvastatin. I seem to be ok on Artorvastatin though so I’m dubious about change. Ive got a review at the hospital next month so it’s maybe worth asking the question then(?)……..
Coming back to diet have you seen any suggested menus etc on this site? And aren’t good ingredients expensive!!!
Thanks again Gnasher have a great Sunday.
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Be very careful with the spices in curries. I was told some of my medication won’t work properly with certain spices. i just googled the name of medication due to having a upset stomach and feeling awful day after a korma and it said certain spices including garlic etc could interact with my medication. So now I’ve knocked off the ones mentioned and I’ve been fine.
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interesting article. I don’t think there’s anything new there but it summarises it Ithink? Nice plug for bananas thank goodness!
Again, not an authoritative article i stress as it says talk to yr Doctor if any major concerns.
Thanks again Gnasher……