#Middlebury #ToYourGoodHealth
DEAR DR. ROACH: My son is 53, and three years ago he had three stents put in due to clogged arteries. His cardiologist put him on Lipitor at 80 mg. I don’t know if this is necessary. I worry that it might do more harm than good. – J.K.
ANSWER: In people with blockages in the arteries in their hearts, there is really no doubt that medications like atorvastatin (Lipitor), a statin drug, reduce the risk of heart attack. Although they can have side effects, for most people the benefit far outweighs the risks.
It’s important to recall that even a powerful medication like a statin can’t optimally treat people if they don’t treat themselves right. Years ago, I had a patient who was doing well after his bypass surgery and was taking a statin with good results. Walking through the hospital cafeteria, I saw him eating a triple cheeseburger (why the cafeteria even sold such a thing is a separate question), and he sheepishly argued that he was taking his statin. A statin can’t beat a triple cheeseburger.
Good cardiac health requires a good diet of mostly plants, with whole grains, nuts, fruits and fish included for people who choose to. Exercise is the other important part of the treatment, and just plain walking is nearly as good as any exercise. Medication, though of benefit, is just a small part of a healthy lifestyle and preventing heart disease, which, although rates are decreasing, is still the leading cause of death in industrialized countries.
READERS: Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer. The booklet on clogged heart arteries explains why they happen and what can be done to prevent clogging. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach – No. 101W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 77-year-old male. I have really been shedding the hair on my arms and legs. Is this normal for a man of my age? I have been taking hydrocodone and simvastatin, along with the usual vitamin supplements. Could the medications or supplements that I am taking have anything to do with my hair loss? Could it be my diet, or is it just old age? – R.C.
ANSWER: Hair loss on the arms and legs is less common than on the scalp. Hormonal changes (especially thyroid and testosterone) and medications can be the culprit. A myriad of skin diseases can do it, but these usually have visible skin changes associated. Chronic swelling (edema) of the extremities might be the cause.
Simvastatin has rarely been associated with hair loss. However, when I see hair loss on the lower extremities, I worry about peripheral artery disease, which is very common and underdiagnosed. Being on simvastatin suggests that you have had high cholesterol, which is a risk factor for PAD. Having hair loss on both arms and legs, however, makes me more concerned about a systemic cause.
Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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