iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersCardiologyldl

Should women over 50 with high LDL cholesterol take statins?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 55-year-old female. My HDL is 70 mg/dL, LDL 207 mg/dL, cholesterol 288 mg/dL, AST 35 U/L, MPV 4.5 fLand monocyte auto 1.4. All the other readings in my health check are normal. My doctor has prescribed 10 mg of Simvastatin. I do not know whether I should take it or not after I read the side effects. I am on no other regular medicines. I exercise regularly. My height is 5'5", and my weight is 140 pounds. I need your help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Manish N. Garg

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The reason for Simvastatin is your high LDL cholesterol level (low-density lipoprotein).

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I lack a family history of heart disease and have a high cholesterol level. I do not understand the fact that taking the statins will reduce my risk of heart attack or stroke sufficiently to warrant the side effects. Also, my liver has always been a bit high, even though I have had tests and they found nothing wrong. I was hoping for a little more in-depth answer to help me make my decision.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Manish N. Garg

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your dilemma. Your age is 55, and you must be post-menopausal. The cardioprotective hormones that are estrogen and progesterone are not produced by your body. Hence, you are at higher risk for heart disease, and that is why the drug. It will keep your cholesterol in check. There are a few mild side effects, but they occur only on a higher dose of the drug. At this prophylactic dosing, you will not experience them.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Manish N. Garg

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At November 8, 2016
Reviewed AtApril 20, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Manish N. Garg
Dr. Manish N. Garg

Cardiology

Consult this doctor
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

No medicines seem to work for my anxiety. Can you suggest any solution?

Both my HDL and LDL cholesterol are below normal. What should I do?

Total cholesterol 229, HDL 53 and LDL 150. Do I have heart disease?

Why should we avoid oral contraceptive pills after 40 years?

Read answers about:

cardiovascular disease riskldl

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.