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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Statin Drugs Help In Preventing A Stroke?

I had open heart surgery 6 yrs. ago, repaired valve and closed up hole, and I recently had what they called a TIA. I ve been on blood thinners for all this time because I have AFib and suffered a blood clot 6 yrs. ago before surgery. Since the TIA and many tests now hey say I do not have high Cholestrol & no clogged arteries and they couldn t find a brain bleed but they want me to start Statins. I hate to take more medicines if I can avoid it. They say because I am high risk they might help prevent another stroke. How do they help if I don t even have a cholesterol problem & do you think I should take them? Thank you..
Fri, 25 May 2018
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Your doctor's suggestion is not without a reason. Studies have shown statins to have benefits which go beyond that of lowering cholesterol. They have been shown to stabilize the surface of atherosclerotic plaques helping in preventing their rupture and thrombosis which in turn can lead to stroke. So they are commonly used, even with normal cholesterol values, hence they were recommended to you. Their effect is not dramatic, but since you are a high risk person we want to reduce your risk as much as possible, so unless there is a side effect from them I think you should take a statins.

I hope to have been of help.
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Do Statin Drugs Help In Preventing A Stroke?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Your doctor s suggestion is not without a reason. Studies have shown statins to have benefits which go beyond that of lowering cholesterol. They have been shown to stabilize the surface of atherosclerotic plaques helping in preventing their rupture and thrombosis which in turn can lead to stroke. So they are commonly used, even with normal cholesterol values, hence they were recommended to you. Their effect is not dramatic, but since you are a high risk person we want to reduce your risk as much as possible, so unless there is a side effect from them I think you should take a statins. I hope to have been of help.