Re: Zocor

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 20, 1998 at 13:39:12:

In Reply to: Zocor posted by Raymond on April 19, 1998 at 21:07:03:






I had a Quad bypass Nov. 30 1995 Went well. Six months later a cath revealed 2 grafts on back side had closed. These two were to an area of a prior M.I. Not unexpected.by the Drs.Two weeks ago a full lipid panel was done. Bad lipids were (139). New Doctor on my case was pretty insistent on starting me on Zocor 10 Mg. I feel the risk of this type of medication is greater than the lipid risk. Help!
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Dear Raymond:
You have already had coronary artery bypass surgery, so we know that you have heart disease.  Bypass surgery temporarily fixes the problem (coronary artery blockages), but does not cure anything.  The blockages in your own heart arteries that prompted the surgery continue to progress.  In addition, the grafts can get blocked up by atherosclerosis, and two out of four of your bypass grafts already have.  It is in your best interest to do anything that you can to keep the other two grafts open for as long as possible.  Most cardiologists would agree that this includes lowering the "bad" cholesterol with diet, and medications, if necessary.  Of course, any medicine can have side effects, but you and your doctor can watch for these.  
If you wish to be evaluated here at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at desk F25.  Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your doctor.