Pay attention to credentials - the creep into medical care and complex decision making by non physicians is probably necessary, but isn’t appropriate in my judgement for things outside of routine repetitive items with a well established protocol. For non-differentiated conditions, there is a real risk with training levels not being sufficient in many - although I have several NP’s and PA’s that I work with who are really excellent. However as the complexity and acuity goes up, the training isn’t suitable for that task. Some doctors are pretty useless … so probably more of an issue with the quality of the individual and their education.
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Hi DrFraser I got my lipids tested after 3 months on 5mg Crestor and LDL went from 171 to 86 and total 257 to 176 so pleased. (She didn’t order ApoB to compare with my 126 but LDL follows that pretty much yes?) I’m pleased with results after just 3 months and liver fine but last month or so don’t feel that great so am going to go to 2.5 after going off awhile just to see for sure is it the Crestor or a worsening of this chronic crap I have. The 0 calcium score gives me some reassurance although you said can’t go 100% by that. Maybe in time I could add zetia to the Crestor if I find it is the Crestor making me feel worse but can tolerate smaller dose. I read that some take 2.5mg once a week! I’m not wanting to get it super low like some, just reasonable.
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Beth
#83
A young woman I know was recently in the hospital due to a non doctor giving her the very wrong antibiotic at urgent care for a very simple issue. Apparently this was such a bad mistake they are going to be paying her off.
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Very good result. 5 mg of rosuvastatin is usually well tolerated, it is only 5% of people that have adverse reactions, but they are vocal about it, which is valid to be aware of side effects, but dissuades a lot of the population from taking the most effective, cost effective, and evidence based drugs for lipids.
A definitive test for heart is a CTCA with Cleerly
This is $1100 at Simon One, and I think is self ordered.
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Thanks for your reply I’ll have to figure out is this malaise the med or “chronic fatigue syndrome” worsening. I am in bed most of the day and just yuk, but no added muscle soreness so do wonder….
Looked up the test and there is a place about 50 minutes from me in Parker CO so may do that but to be honest, feeling like I do, I’m not looking to find anything to treat to extend my life. Course, I am taking the Crestor so maybe I’m fooling myself there. :-).
If you are in the small % that have side effects, then for most patients (and I don’t know your situation - so talk with your doctor) it’ll be ezetimibe and bempedoic acid - the downside being cost if getting this onshore, if getting offshore is cost effective.
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Thanks doc I’ll suggest that if do decide it’s the crestor - she’s good about suggestions.
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You can also try taking the statin every other day. Me and my parents suffer muscle weakness from statins. By taking my 5 mg Atorvastatin on Monday Wednesday and Friday, I have gotten rid of the muscle spasms and most of the muscle weakness. However I haven’t gotten the blood work done to see the change in LDL and ApoB.
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Hi Chris that’s what I’m planning on doing and just experiment for awhile. If still think it’s the Crestor will take what DrFrazier suggested. I found this and it showed 2.5mg even once a week brought the numbers down somewhat.
https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(08)01713-X/abstract
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For me, Crestor was 10X worse than Lipitor. You may want to try a different statin as well. Each one affects you differently. I can live with Lipitor. I couldn’t live with Crestor.
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I’ve changed my approach after doing my cardiology fellowship with Dr. Mark Houston. Maybe if we have a CT Cardiac Calcium of Zero we go with that (but there are still times with soft plaque with no hard plaque, including a case he had with a zero CT Cardiac Calcium and a 95% lesion in the LAD).
So I’ve moved to CTCA WITH CLEERLY. Read about it - $1100 self ordered at Simon One is my understanding.
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KiwiGuy
#92
I have a calcium score of zero and a 70% blockage in one artery. It was found via a CT Angiogram (with contrast).
Given your history of high ApoB & a previous heart attack, I’d hazard a guess that you’re at higher than average risk of heart attack or stroke.
Something I haven’t seen suggested yet is a cheap and simple plan to prepare for if you have another heart attack or stroke (assuming it’s more major and you notice this next one). Next time you’re at the drugstore, buy a packet of Aspirin and keep a few tablets in places where they will be handy if you ever need them in an emergency. For me, it’s my car, my office & a toiletry bag I take when travelling. For you, it may include a handbag or somewhere else? If you ever suspect you’re having another cardiac event, as soon as possible chew on a couple of Aspirin then wash it down with water. Minutes matter! The damage from a heart attack or stoke is done by clots and this simple step will help reduce the damage.
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I might just go ahead and do that I’ve got the funds but it’s that 50 minute drive with never knowing how I’ll feel. In looking over this thread again though, I’d forgotten about Lp(a) and how it is another measurement of possible protection one might have. Would you suggest I get that number before I get this test? Thanks.
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Wow KiwiGuy that’s interesting. I did just last month put some aspirin by my bed as was having some pretty bad chest pain. I get it on occasion but thinking it is probably acid reflux. I forgot that you’re supposed to chew it though, and never thought of putting it other places. I’ve had 2 ulcers so haven’t taken in a long time. So what are you doing about your blockage?
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I’ll check out the info on Dr. Houston’s page. I’m sure there must be a reason this self pay test is better than the angiogram - I’ll look into the differences before I decide. I’m amazed at the degree of participation and helpfulness on this site.
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KiwiGuy
#96
It’s still fairly recent for me - my scan was only a few weeks ago. I had already started managing my ApoB levels down and was looking for ways to reduce my lp(a). Since learning of my blockage I have cut 90%+ of sugar & simple carbs from my diet, stopped alcohol and started to take my cardiovascular fitness much more seriously. Sometime in the New Year I’ll meet with my Doctors to agree a way forward. At this stage, my approach is 1. Stop further damage (reduce ApoB & lp(a) as much as possible) and 2. Do what I can to help my body heal itself.
In terms of meds, other than cholesterol targeting drugs, I’ve also started taking an enteric coated baby aspirin each day (& I bought some full strength, quick acting Aspirin just in case 
)
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Beth
#97
Excellent advice… and to pile on, my cardiologist says to chew ‘4’
And yes, I have little mini zip lock baggies in several places… (tiny ones from amazon)
We have some defibrillators in our neighborhood, so I should find out their exact location. One friend even bought one for their house. I’ve wanted to inquire about this but kept forgetting, so I’m glad you brought this up.
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Wow Dr, Houston has loads of info and did read advantage of CLEERLY. It said insurance may start to cover some. I see he says low salt - I love salt but my sodium on blood test is always the low end. When my dad was dying of cancer 35 years ago his sodium was very low and I thought how strange he eats so much salt but have since read it can be a sign of serious disease if significantly low. But what if it’s just low end of normal, and I have low BP - should I still watch intake? Dr. Houston even has a spiritual section - I do think I’m alone too much - have loving extended family and some good friends but live alone and due to not feeling well with the fibro and fatigue don’t get out much at all. I’ve heard even that can lead to heart disease.
Wow, please keep us informed going forward. Simple carbs I need to watch too - love bagels. I never knew they were bad for the heart read that recently. Just reading Dr.Houston’s site it listed that sourdough bread is ok as for lower glycemic index, but is it the glycemic index that makes bread etc bad for the heart - guess so. Are you going totally plant based or more just the low sugar/starch and maybe more vegetables? Luckily I never drank as get bad headache.
Chew 4 aspirin? Mine are 325mg and really glad this was brought up as put them back in drawer and took me awhile to find them just now - must leave where easily accessible!
