Anyone here who is taking Zocor for reasons other than cholesterol?

I just returned from the hospital where I had balloon catheterization. I have been low carbing for a few months prior to experiencing this medical condition, and my triglycerides and total cholesterol are now at very good levels. I obviously had let things progress too far prior to starting this WOE.

My doctor prescribed Zocor, a cholesterol medication, and told me that it's actions were not only for cholesterol reduction but that it also worked in other ways to help maintain a healthy vascular system.

Does anyone have experience with this medication? I don't want my total cholesterol to drop (158 now), although it would be good if my HDL would rise.

Thanks, Johnie

Hi John

Are you speaking of an angioplasty for blocked artery? I won't try to overstep a cardiac specialist, but cholesterol at 158 is excellent.... There are other medicines for vascular health such as zestril for one example, blood pressure meds and asprin.

We (my husband and I) have gone down this road for many years and I believe that the statin drugs are overly perscribed to many, again, not trying to step on any toes here, and being that you just came from the hospital. Please, all I ask is do your research, statin drugs have many side affects, and if your cholesterol and tri's are good, then if it were me I would question it, what strenght are you on?

No offense please, just research, read, ask, and more.

Sorry, this post really caught my attention.. Take care

Again, I am just speaking as a friend on the forum.

Look at Dr_James' post at

http://www.talkinglowcarb.com/forum...highlight=zocor

You might wish to PM him. But beware that he is not an MD!

On the point that statins are over-prescribed for cholesterol, I agree. But the curious bit is whether they work for inflammation, which may be a bigger risk factor. Could it be that Dr.s are prescribing statins for all the wrong reasons but accidentally having a beneficial impact?

Hello,SeeMySelf and PNW

Thanks to you both for your responses. Yes, the procedure I had done was angioplasty.
I refused my first dose of Zocor when it was brought by the nurse, although she did try to explain that this medicine was used for other purposes than lowering cholesterol. Later, the doctor who prescribed it, gave me the same information. He said he was not prescribing it for cholesterol, but for it's other heart benefits. I guess I can try it for a while to see what effects it may have. I do need my HDL level higher.
(SeeMySelf) Yes, indeed, it is sometimes hard to include the caring tone in these written posts (and I have seen some replies which could be considered downright nasty,although probably not meant to be). Your post in no way came across in anything other than that of a concerned friend. Thank you. And my dosage is 20 mg.
(PNW) Thank you, also for your link. I think my doctor is going along with the secondary role for Zocor.

Thank you both,
Johnie