Searching this forum for "statin" brings up 1000+ results. Searching through just a few of them isn't helping me with this decision. My primary reason for agreeing to go on a statin will be to preserve a pretty good relationship with my GP; I don't know it that's a good enough reason. About 3 months ago he ordered a test for cholesterol--3 numbers: TC, LDL, and HDL. My numbers were 224, 124, and 90. Last week the test was repeated and the new numbers were 213, 121, and 81. So he wants me to take a statin. I haven't told him about my APOE status (3/4) and I doubt it would make a difference. My brother and my son also have "above optimum" cholesterol, as did my mother and probably my father, who was overweight, a couch potato, and buttered everything. My father died of melanoma at the age of 81; my mother died after catching the flu at 92.
I'm female and I have a small frame, both of which increase my risk of side effects from a statin. Muscle weakness and soreness are side effects and I think it would be counter-productive if a statin interferred with my exercise routine (yoga and weight lifting), which I think is the best thing I'm doing for my health.
Tough decision: I would love some advice.
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67 year old woman, APOE 3/4