I understand that the LDL cholesterol target for heart patients has been lowered from 2.5 to 1.8. I myself had 2.4 and that must now be lower, while I already have quite a lot of side effects from the medication, including muscle pain. Is it necessary?
Joris Bartstra, journalist with a medical degree.
I understand your despair and it is common among doctors. The ongoing research roughly shows that every reduction in cholesterol lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (a little bit) further. Based on recent research, the European Cardiologists’ Association has decided to lower the target value for LDL in patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke and who are younger than 70 years. The Dutch cardiologists went along with this and then the GPs too, because you don’t want GPs and specialists to give different advice. Nevertheless, the health gain in absolute numbers is decreasing. If the new target is clearly an effort for you in terms of more muscle soreness, then I’d stick with the old one. The influence of different risk-reducing treatments on your deductible can be calculated on https://u-prevent.nl. Perhaps the GP or practice nurse can take a look together with you.
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