Last summer, I was brought to a cardiologist as a result of an event where I wondered if I was having a heart attack. That was ruled out but I was sent for a stress test which showed a potential blockage. The next step was a procedure with a catheter that exposed a 40-50% blockage in the circumflex artery. I was given a script for a atorvastatin 80 mg. Having researched quite a bit on the statin situation I was really reluctant to jump in right away and now, I find a year has passed and I still have not taken them. Now I must face my cardiologist because I need a clearance for a hip replacement in a few weeks. His belief in meds is so strong that he is intimidating. To refuse does not bother me but I find myself unsure of my decision as even with research, I am not schooled in science or medicine. I am hesitant to take the statins mainly because I am almost pre-diabetic and have also had kidney stones in the past. With these weaknesses I am concerned that messing around with a cholesterol blocking med without knowing how my system will tolerate it could cause harm down the road. The cardiologist seems to pinpoint the artieries without regard to the whole body. I am forced to use mainstream doctors because of my insurance plan, but I find I think so differently about health and diet, etc. This is causing me stress as I need the doctor to clear me for surgery right now.
I would appreciate any thoughts or advise on this situation.
I would appreciate any thoughts or advise on this situation.