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Is Zocor Advisable For Lowering Serum Cholesterol Levels In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Aug 2017
Question: I am 89 years old. Should I be taking the drug Zocor to control cholorestrol? E-mail: YYYY@YYYY

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Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Need for statin

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM

Statins like ZOCOR have several side effects. Studies have also shown that most adults above age 75 do not need statins Unless you had a stroke or cardiovascular disease (CAD). Too much lowering of cholesterol in elderly has increased risk of mortality according to studies. Statins can cause pronounced side effects like myositis, liver toxicity, gastro intestinal distress in people aged 80 and above


Following a healthy life style is the best option for elderly patients who do not require statins

-High fiber food like oatmeal, oat XXXXXXX vegetables, and fruits help lower LDL
-Include avocados in food which are rich in healthy fat
-Fish like mackerel, salmon, sardine containing omega 3 fatty acids prevent harmful effects of LDL on heart
-Avoid excess cheese, fatty, fried food in your diet
-Include food with lean protein like soy bean, beans, lean beef, chicken and turkey breast

Exercise regularly like brisk walking for at least 30 minutes

The decision to start statin should be based on risk vs benefits. Some patients without previous stroke/CAD decide on taking statins with high LDL levels (normal being below 160) and keep a close watch for any of the side effects.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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Is Zocor Advisable For Lowering Serum Cholesterol Levels In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Need for statin Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for trusting HCM Statins like ZOCOR have several side effects. Studies have also shown that most adults above age 75 do not need statins Unless you had a stroke or cardiovascular disease (CAD). Too much lowering of cholesterol in elderly has increased risk of mortality according to studies. Statins can cause pronounced side effects like myositis, liver toxicity, gastro intestinal distress in people aged 80 and above Following a healthy life style is the best option for elderly patients who do not require statins -High fiber food like oatmeal, oat XXXXXXX vegetables, and fruits help lower LDL -Include avocados in food which are rich in healthy fat -Fish like mackerel, salmon, sardine containing omega 3 fatty acids prevent harmful effects of LDL on heart -Avoid excess cheese, fatty, fried food in your diet -Include food with lean protein like soy bean, beans, lean beef, chicken and turkey breast Exercise regularly like brisk walking for at least 30 minutes The decision to start statin should be based on risk vs benefits. Some patients without previous stroke/CAD decide on taking statins with high LDL levels (normal being below 160) and keep a close watch for any of the side effects. Hope this answers your question Please address further questions here Regards, Dr.Lekshmi