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
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...
Your Phone Is DESTROYING Your Brain—Here's How to Fight Back
Ever notice how—after a day of bouncing between your phone, computer, and TV—your brain feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton? You may struggle to remember what you need at the store, fumble for words, or stare blankly at your crossword puzzle. It’s not because you’re getting older—it’s what your devices are doing to your...