Why Statin with low cholesterol?

[Annie_]

My husband is having his mitral valve repaired in a few days. He went in for a pre-op angiogram, and they discovered that one of his arteries is 80% blocked, so they want to do bypass surgery as well. The doctor prescribed Lipitor, then at our request changed it to a generic, and told my husband to start taking it immediately. I understand that statins lower cholesterol. I also understand they do that by inhibiting liver function and that they can have side effects. My husband has low cholesterol, fairly low blood pressure, is fit, and his diet is heart healthy. 1)Should he start this medication now when he is facing surgery in just a few days  2)Why does he need it at all with low cholesterol? Couldn't it be that he is just genetically predisposed and that the blockage is not caused by cholesterol--in which case, why take the statin?

[Barbarella]

I came across an article and remembered your post.

Below is what I read:

"Preoperative Use of Statins May Protect Against Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation"

I found this article on  www.medicalnewstoday.com

But other articles about the same are all over Google

[Barbarella]

The doctor decided to put him on a statin knowing your husband is facing surgery.  Did you ask the doctor "why"?  What did he/she say?

Statins also contain an anti inflammatory.  

Since one of his arteries are 80% blocked the doctor probably put him on statins so another artery wont get blocked also.  I'm just guessing.  That is why it is always very important to ask the doctor these questions and express your concern.

Not everybody gets side effects or their livers are effected.  I'm on statins for the last 4 1/2 yrs and never had a side effect.  My liver gets checked every 4 months and never had a problem with my liver.