Patient needs a statin alternative, new doctor

Q. I am 80 years old, and a few years ago, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. My primary-care doctor referred me to a cardiologist (a college friend of his), who put me through every kind of test known to man. He then prescribed three medicines for me, including Lipitor because my cholesterol was 275.

Shortly after starting them, I began having muscle pain in my legs and had heard warnings about statins, including those from your column. I was already taking co-enzyme Q-10, so I knew it wasn't due to a depletion. I asked my cardiologist about a cholesterol-lowering medication without statins, but he said they weren't any good and switched me to Crestor, instead. It was still a statin, and, despite my concerns, I took it like a good patient. The pain returned, so I stopped it and started watching my diet more closely. My cholesterol dropped to 217. During my next doctor visit, I again complained about the statins, hoping this time the doctor would listen. Instead, he told me to find another cardiologist and left the room.

I left his office feeling pretty devastated. Was I wrong to refuse to take statins again, or should I have just let him think I was still taking one even though I wasn't? Should I really find another cardiologist?

A. You should absolutely find another cardiologist. Yours was rude and out of line. Having tried two separate brands and experiencing side effects from both, it is clear you can't tolerate statins. While it is true that nonstatin cholesterol-lowering medications aren't as effective as their statin counterparts, they are a viable alternative given the situation.

Find a new cardiologist and explain your situation, and, if he or she isn't willing to work a little harder to help, then move on to another. Once you find someone willing to listen to and work with you, you should find your condition and outlook improving.

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