Mailbag! Are These Popular Meds Killing You?
By
Natalie Moore
Posted May 25, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
Getting older comes with its fair share of health challenges.
And for most of us, heart problems are at the top of the list.
So you take statins every day to keep your cholesterol in check.
The only problem is taking statins could be doing nothing to protect your heart and might even up your risk of death.
Let’s dive in…
Hey Natalie,
I’m 77 and have been taking statins for over 10 years. However, I’m not really sure why. I’m in decent shape, try to keep tabs on my diet and have never been diagnosed with heart disease. My doctor says I should keep taking them because they can reduce my chance of having a heart attack. Do you know if this is true? Do statins reduce heart risks in older folks who are in good shape?
Thanks in advance,
Danny B.
Great question, Danny. And your timing couldn’t be better.
Just this week, a brand-new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that statins are completely WORTHLESS when it comes to preventing certain heart problems in healthy folks aged 65 and older.
For the study, researchers analyzed the medical records of participants aged 65 or older suffering from high blood pressure but with no arterial stiffness. About half took 40 mg of pravastatin daily. The others didn’t.
And what the researchers found was truly shocking…
Statins offered ZERO health benefits when it came to stroke, heart disease or death caused by heart problems.
Even worse, folks taking statins were more likely to die!
Researchers report that the side effects from statins, which include muscle damage and fatigue, could put seniors at risk for quicker decline and higher risk of death.
So if you’re in good shape and taking statins, it’s probably time to talk to your doctor about getting off them, especially if you’re 65 or older. It just might save your life.
Do you have health questions you want answered? Drop me a line: feedback@livingwelldaily.com
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Was a statin beneficial for primary cardiovascular prevention in older adults?
[2] Cholesterol-busting statins provide ‘no benefit’ for pensioners at risk of heart disease
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...