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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Simvastatin Taken For Cholesterol Lead To Mitochondrial Damage?

I am 76, 6 feet, 150 lbs. Have been taking 20 mg of simvastatin daily. total cholesterol 180, HDL 80, trig 84. Have read recently of mitochondrial damage and statins. Am wondering if I could quit the drug. (No heart disease history, no other drug except Avodart.
posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Twitter Wed, 5 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 6 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

All medications have the potential to cause adverse effects which may or may not occur.
The potential risks must always be balanced with the benefits.

HDL is the good cholesterol, it is best if it is greater than 60, at 80, yours is good. Your HDL to triglyceride ratio is also good.

Your medication is likely one of the major causes of your good cholesterol values and an increase may occur if it is discontinued.

It would be best to discuss the possibility of discontinuation with your doctor.

I hope this helps
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Does Simvastatin Taken For Cholesterol Lead To Mitochondrial Damage?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic All medications have the potential to cause adverse effects which may or may not occur. The potential risks must always be balanced with the benefits. HDL is the good cholesterol, it is best if it is greater than 60, at 80, yours is good. Your HDL to triglyceride ratio is also good. Your medication is likely one of the major causes of your good cholesterol values and an increase may occur if it is discontinued. It would be best to discuss the possibility of discontinuation with your doctor. I hope this helps