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Living Donation Discussion and News => Living Donation Forum => Topic started by: Oldnslow on June 19, 2025, 09:45:36 AM

Title: Statin usage and kidney related side effects
Post by: Oldnslow on June 19, 2025, 09:45:36 AM

Hi all - if there's a previous post on this I apologize.    The search engine kept failing when I tried to find it.

I donated a kidney about 17 years ago.      My GFR is running between 50 and 58 so they've tagged me as CKD III   even though it's a healthy kidney.      Anyway, cholestrol levels are good, BP was 112/78, resting pulse of 72.     I am heavy but exercise regularly.   

Here's the question - because of my age (73) the dr's risk factor shows me with a 16% chance of heart attack over the next 10 years, but believes he can lower that with statin usage.     I see side effects for statin usage include some kidney risk for those with CKD.      But given I'm a donor with a healthy kidney I don't believe that applies.   

Anyone here with an experience that could shed light on this?

Thanks

Title: Re: Statin usage and kidney related side effects
Post by: Michael on June 20, 2025, 09:46:43 AM

I'm in very similar circumstances. After unsuccessfully trying to lower my cholesterol levels with diet and exercise (including going full vegan), my doctor prescribed a low dose (10mg) statin. My cholesterol level dropped almost in half! Fortunately (so far), there has been no negative impact on my kidney function: creatinine, albumin, and other metrics are holding steady.

I looked online and see there are some warnings about the use of statins and the impact on kidneys, but they appear to be associated with individuals who are "taking higher doses or in those with advanced CKD."

Of course (I say sarcastically), there are no studies of statins specific to living kidney donors.  >:(

Hope this helps.