Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Do Statins Help In Treating Coronary Plaque Formation?
Question: I did not have high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, but had a stint implanted in ER 5 weeks ago because of 100% blockage of the left descending ventricle.
My question is why am I on drugs for high cholesterol, high blood pressure when I never had a history of these? I hate the side effects possible of these drugs and believe them UN-necessary.
If the answer is my arteries are at risk for future blockage, then these drugs do not heal. There is nothing
known to remove plague from arteries. There is no drug like statin varieties that remove LDL plague from arteries. So why the drugs?
My question is why am I on drugs for high cholesterol, high blood pressure when I never had a history of these? I hate the side effects possible of these drugs and believe them UN-necessary.
If the answer is my arteries are at risk for future blockage, then these drugs do not heal. There is nothing
known to remove plague from arteries. There is no drug like statin varieties that remove LDL plague from arteries. So why the drugs?
Brief Answer:
Avoid progression
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
You see, everyday practice in medicine has one key component - careful weighing of benefits against risks. I am glad that you are informed about the medication that you are prescribed.
Well, statins actually do not regress the coronary plaque formation, but in a body of studies, it was seen that they actually inhibit the progression of the coronary disease. Also, taking in consideration that both hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are direct risk factors for coronary artery disease, they are all treated with anti-hypertensives and statins.
This is even true for those who are not diagnosed with these two disorders, which is your case. This is because these drugs have shown remarkable impact as primary and secondary prevention of the coronary artery disease.
If you were my patient, I would also describe you these classes of drugs, after an infarction which was treated urgently with stent implantation in the culprit artery. Of course, these are merely state-of-the-art recommendations. The body is yours, after all.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Avoid progression
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.
You see, everyday practice in medicine has one key component - careful weighing of benefits against risks. I am glad that you are informed about the medication that you are prescribed.
Well, statins actually do not regress the coronary plaque formation, but in a body of studies, it was seen that they actually inhibit the progression of the coronary disease. Also, taking in consideration that both hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are direct risk factors for coronary artery disease, they are all treated with anti-hypertensives and statins.
This is even true for those who are not diagnosed with these two disorders, which is your case. This is because these drugs have shown remarkable impact as primary and secondary prevention of the coronary artery disease.
If you were my patient, I would also describe you these classes of drugs, after an infarction which was treated urgently with stent implantation in the culprit artery. Of course, these are merely state-of-the-art recommendations. The body is yours, after all.
I hope I was helpful with my answer. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I underdtand it's a risk decision based on statistics and studies. The treatment had much scientific study and analysis. Alternative approaches are not as well documented. Treatment by diet and exercise. Allowing the body to heal itself. Self healing may sound idealistic but in my life experience I have had broken bones, concussions, lung infections and desease that my body has healed. Even a very bad chest cold this past week without the a ability to assist it with medication.
How many patients have you seen leave their heart medications and replace.them with diet and exercise regiments and live into their golden years?
Thank you for confirming my current treatment is the leading advantage. And that the goal is avoidance of further complications.
I would rather not be on power drugs with side effects but I want to make sure I do my research before changing to another approach. After all it is a decision of risk that could be life or death. And there have been many successes in history and in medical history that took large risks that brought about better change. So risk measurement is only one factor. Maybe there is a better way. At least that's what I will explore and research.
Thank you
How many patients have you seen leave their heart medications and replace.them with diet and exercise regiments and live into their golden years?
Thank you for confirming my current treatment is the leading advantage. And that the goal is avoidance of further complications.
I would rather not be on power drugs with side effects but I want to make sure I do my research before changing to another approach. After all it is a decision of risk that could be life or death. And there have been many successes in history and in medical history that took large risks that brought about better change. So risk measurement is only one factor. Maybe there is a better way. At least that's what I will explore and research.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Nothing will change
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
I am really glad I was helpful with my insight. As I stated, you are the "general" of your body. Everything suggested by us, doctors, is merely strong recommendation for your well-being. In my personal experience, the patients that left their treatment usually had intra-stent re-stenosis and other problems with coronary arteries. We are not Gods, so we could exactly predict the outcome of this or that strategy.
I hope this follow-up helps. Kindly, close the discussion and rate my answer.
Wish you the best,
Dr. Meriton
Nothing will change
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
I am really glad I was helpful with my insight. As I stated, you are the "general" of your body. Everything suggested by us, doctors, is merely strong recommendation for your well-being. In my personal experience, the patients that left their treatment usually had intra-stent re-stenosis and other problems with coronary arteries. We are not Gods, so we could exactly predict the outcome of this or that strategy.
I hope this follow-up helps. Kindly, close the discussion and rate my answer.
Wish you the best,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
