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Avatar universal

Thinking about stopping my statin after 15 years

I'm a 62-year old post menopausal woman, 5'2", 108 lbs.  Meds are Lotrel 5/20, Spironolactone 25 mg, Synthroid 50 mcg, Simvastatin 20 mg, daily aspirin 81 mg.  Family history of diabetes, digestive cancer, CAD.  My last lipid test results: Total cholesterol 179, Tri 45, HDL 88, LDL (Direct) 92, LDL-P 926.  Last year I cut out starchy foods and simple carbs because my A1c was 5.9, which brought it down to 5.5.  However, my A1c was back up to 5.9 on my last test with no change in diet (fasting glucose was 95).  I'm concerned about the increased risk of diabetes for women on statins especially since Type 2 diabetes is in my family.  I've been on Zocor for approx. 15 years and at this point I'm wondering if I should take a break to see what happens to my glucose levels as well as my lipids now that I'm eating a lower glycemic diet.  I'm planning on mentioning this to my doctor, but was wondering what you might recommend.  Thank you.
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Avatar universal
I do hope you're feeling better now both emotionally and physically.
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976897 tn?1379167602
Yes, I stopped all my meds at the same time. I was going through bereavement and basically gave up.
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Avatar universal
Thank your for your comment; you make a lot of sense.  I'm sorry you had another heart attack and I hope you're doing well now.  Did you stop your statin without your doctor's approval?
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976897 tn?1379167602
The problem is, cholesterol in your blood is accounted for by around 20% of what you eat. In some people, diet makes no difference whatsoever. The Liver can make its own fat molecules and send them into the blood inside lipoproteins. I think if you haven't had a problem in 15 years, it would be wise to probably stay on them. Who can say if they have prevented more serious problems or not, but is it worth the risk to find out? What if you stop them and your arteries develop plaque? Just my opinion, but maybe someone else will have their input. As a final comment, I stopped my statins for about a year, and I felt fine. Obviously I didn't see what was happening inside my arteries and after that year I had another heart attack.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You are correct, there is a link between statins and risk of diabetes. That being said, the overall benefit of statins FAR outweighs their risk. There is a risk with any medication. I would make sure your thyroid level is ok (TSH) as this can elevate your cholestrol numbers. It may also be reasonable to give the statin a break if your diet and exercise routine are appropriate. I agree that you should discuss this with your doctor
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