Stopped Taking Statins, Numbers Went Up

Published by Lois on March 28th, 2009

Dear Dr. Lundell:

I had quadruple bypass surgery in 1983, at age 53. I’m 78 now. About 7 years later, began taking statin medications. I haven’t had repeat heart surgery but in 2004, had the first incident of atrial fibrillation followed by a second 9 months later. I’ve been sedated twice for cardiac version of shock to stabilize heart beat. That seems to work. My September 28 tests: total cholesterol 128; LDL 58; HDL 60, Cardio CRP 1.22.

I read an article about inflammation and stopped taking Lipitor two weeks before my next blood test on Dec. 16^. The side effects were loss of mental clarity, disturbing dreams and just felt terrible. I feel 100% better since stopping them but the numbers did go up: Dec 16 tests: total cholesterol 197; LDL 133; HDL 47, Ultra Sensitive Cardio CRP .033.

Is there any concern by the rise in cholesterol numbers? I am told my inflammation is a good range but should be under 1. Thank you very much for letting me ask these questions. I appreciate it very much. I will add all your recommendations in the book.

Ray

Dear Ray:

I am delighted that you had such a good result from your coronary bypass so many years ago. I am also delighted you are feeling so much better having stopped taking statins that you did not need. The most important number in your lab tests is the high sensitivity CRP. Congratulations on having such a low number.

The slight rise in cholesterol is of no concern to me especially since you are feeling so much better. There is an inflammatory component to atrial fibrillation so I encourage you to increase your dose of fish oil as this may help you stay in sinus rhythm.

Sincerely

Dwight Lundell MD