Statins

[Levy]

Before you make any decision you need to know the actual breakdown. You need your HDL, your LDL and your triglycerides. The total of 5.5 is just the total of the good and the bad. Perhaps you could ask for a print out of the test results so you have these figures in front of you. The total is made up of:
HDL (good) + LDL (good and bad) + 46% of the triglycerides (bad) (UK measurements)

Then you need to work out the triglyceride/HDL ratio. To do this simply divide the trigs by the HDL. The result ideally should be under 0.87 (UK)

This is really good to know, thanks! I've recently switched hospitals, and my old consultant always told me my cholesterol was relatively high which was due to a high LDL level, so he was never worried about it. My first appointment with my new clinic my DSN told me my cholesterol was too high, but this was never broken down to the different types. I will definitely look into this further if my next blood test brings this up again.

 

[Bluetit1802]

This is really good to know, thanks! I've recently switched hospitals, and my old consultant always told me my cholesterol was relatively high which was due to a high LDL level, so he was never worried about it. My first appointment with my new clinic my DSN told me my cholesterol was too high, but this was never broken down to the different types. I will definitely look into this further if my next blood test brings this up again.

You need to look into anyway, without waiting for your next test. We can get print outs of any test results from the surgery (a bit more difficult from hospitals, but nonetheless we are entitled to have full access to them but we have to ask) If you are in England your surgery test results should be on-line - ask at your surgery how to register for this. It is never wise to believe what DNs and GPs say, so analyse the results yourself.

 

[Levy]

You need to look into anyway, without waiting for your next test. We can get print outs of any test results from the surgery (a bit more difficult from hospitals, but nonetheless we are entitled to have full access to them but we have to ask) If you are in England your surgery test results should be on-line - ask at your surgery how to register for this. It is never wise to believe what DNs and GPs say, so analyse the results yourself.

It's the hospital that have the results, not my surgery

 

[Bluetit1802]

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, individuals have a right to access their own health records, and in limited circumstances, access to information about other people. The Data Protection Act extends equally to all relevant records relating to living individuals, including records held in the private health sector and health professionals’ private practice records.

(House of Commons Library Number 07103, 25 April 2016 Patient Health Records.)

Only applies in England I think.

 

[Fairygodmother]

I’ve been taking atorvastatins for years: no nasty side effects - maybe it’s because I have a biological constitution that accepts them. I’d rather take the statins than suffer the cardio-vascular problems they are designed to counteract. I also limit the amount of saturated fats I consume, despite current trends. I do use coconut milk and cream in Thai meals - yum!!! I also used to love plain chocolate Bounty Bars but that was a few decades ago, prior to T1 diagnosis. Are they still around?
It’s all a matter of personal choice, but I think any sensible choice takes account of scientific research and personal risk factors.

 

[Dodo]

Just started on Ezetrol as I had terrible cramps in my leg muscles with stations.

Was put on statins a number of years ago but after muscle cramps and coming out in bruises, my GP put me on to Ezetrol. Been on them for a number of years and whilst my cholesterol is probably slightly higher than they would like, they've accepted that this is my levels do it's not going lower.

 

[Dodo]

It's the hospital that have the results, not my surgery

Results from blood tests are sent to your GP. See if they are available on line through EMIS. A very useful site to access your medical records, appointments, tests and going back years to your medical history.