RA and Heart problems | Arthritis Information

 

I have read that data shows that us, with RA, have a statistical shorter life span.  I believe one factor, seems to be due to heart related inflamation.

Charlie Rose had a program last week that covered the remarkable effectiveness of statins in reducing heart problems, even in people who have normal hdl/ldl levels.  The reason was due to the reduction of heart related inflamation .  This got me looking for info on the net to see if the was any info on using statins to help control RA.  A little info but not much. 

Reading the blurb on the statin Crestor,  indicates that it has the potential to cause liver damage.

My mtx injections also have this potential!

Is anyone who is trying to control RA, also  using statins?

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Not me. I am taking beta blocker, Coreg.

Not me.  My old PCP wanted me to go on statins for my high cholesterol and I told him no way.  I have read too many instances of people with muscle pain permanent side effects, and I already have fibromyalgia and too much chronic pain.  He asked if I wanted to have a heart attack and die.  I said yes if the alternative was to live with even more chronic pain.  I ended up finding a new PCP (for different reasons).  My new PCP has an AI disease and understood completely.  My rheumy reinforced the muscle pain side effect notion by telling me he has seen many patients with that problem, despite the pharamaceuticals saying it is not a common side effect. (I know it is a potential side effect of other meds I take, but not with the same frequency and risk).

 

Instead I take Zetia, which I understand in a recent study was shown not to be very effective, but it has lowered my cholesterol some.  I also take a supplement (Cholest-Off from NatureMade) that contains plant stanols and sterols.

 

As for the liver damage, you can try taking milk thistle supplements, or SAM-e (although one study showed the possibility that SAM-e may interfere with mtx, so not a good combo there).  I have been taking tons of meds for years now, but the only time I had elevated liver enzymes was when I lowered my regular dose of SAM-e to go on mtx. 

I have tried almost every cholesterol lowering drug there was.  Got musle pain from every single one, some took forever to go away after stopping it. My PCP finally gave up and said it must be because of my disease.  She told me to take cinnamon, fish oil and a glass of wine every night plus of course watch what I eat.  I am on a statin for my heart and Cholesterol? I guess....they just increased it to raise my good cholesterol......it is all mumbjumbo to me, I just do what my cardiologist tells me too. My main prob is swelling of the vessels and artery adn heart I guess....don't much know.
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