Hello,

I've been taking 40 mg. of Zocor for about 3 years now, and it has given me great results re: cholesterol. My cardiologist also checks liver enzymes every 6 months. Until recently, everything was OK, but after the last scheduled blood test I was told that my liver enzymes were "mildly elevated". (Don't know the exact numbers.) He had me rechecked in 3 months (last week) and things were still the same. He then ordered a liver ultrasound, the results of which I am awaiting.

Although I know that elevated liver enzymes are apparently very common, I am a wreck waiting for the ultrasound results (imagining they will find something abnormal and scary.) Has anyone else had their liver enzymes rise after several years on Zocor? I have no noticeable symptoms. I also take 50 mg. Toprol XL and an aspirin a day. I don't drink, have not been diagnosed with diabetes, don't have hepatitis or any risky behavior, though my weight is not what it should be.

Any input will be gratefully received.

Marie

Its from the statin (most likely)... It is showing liver damage. This can come on from 1-7 years after starting a statin. Unfortunately the liver test doesn't always show up the severe muscle damage. You should be taking CoQ10 if you are already not.

I've been taking CoQ10 for a while now - no muscle problems that I've noticed. I wonder just what exactly would show on the liver ultrasound - how does statin-related damage show up?

Dixie,

Is it your ALT level that your dr is concerned (about)? My ALT stays mildly elevated and the guideline is to stay less than 3 x the top end of the normal level (my lab uses 36 as the top range). Do you take Tylenol (acetaminophen) on a regular basis? It is a very common cause of elevated liver panel as are certain anti-biotics.

As to your ultrasound, it would show any visible damage to your liver, however, the most accurate test is the biopsy. I think the biopsy is used as a last resort and I would imagine your levels would have to be pretty high on a prolonged basis before biopsy.
As I stated, my ALT levels have remained mildly elevated for five years or so. My former dr ordered the ultrasound of my liver last year. My liver appeared normal however gallstones were discovered:eek: . Don't be surprised if you too have gallstones found due to prolonged statin use:mad: .

Check webmd for treatment of elevated liver enzymes if you wish.

I don't know exactly what was elevated - they left a message indicating that "LFT's were still mildly elevated" and that an ultrasound had been scheduled. I will ask for specifics when next I speak to the dr. or his nurse.

I hardly ever take acetaminophen and haven't had an antibiotic in quite a while - just the Zocor, Toprol XL (mitral valve prolapse and a little atrial fibrillation) and a daily aspirin.

I almost expect there to be gallstones - seems almost everyone has them!

I am just not good at waiting for test results, and we have had lots of this waiting to do lately in my family.

Thanks!

Marie

Marie,

Don't worry, that ultrasound is VERY routine and usually means nothing.

Thanks, Lenin. I think it's my innate Irish-ness, expecting doom and gloom. This is the latest in a year-long string of medical testing in the family - all mainly OK, thus far, but putting quite a strain on my mental health, such as it is! I hope to hear something today.

Marie

Thanks, Lenin. I think it's my innate Irish-ness, expecting doom and gloom. This is the latest in a year-long string of medical testing in the family - all mainly OK, thus far, but putting quite a strain on my mental health, such as it is! I hope to hear something today.

Marie

:wave: Marie, is this the test where the doctor put an apron over your private parts, and give you a shot before running you thru the machine. It resembles a mri machine. If so, my mom and my grandmother had this test done. Both were having liver enzymes elevations. My mom could not continue the test and she had to be transfered to the ER. I think she became anxious and started having heart palps.

I agree with the poster that said it was the zocor, my mom took 40 mgs of zocor and had great cholesterol, but a lousy liver. She corrected this with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Her dr. could not believe she didn't drink alcohol bcuz her liver was so damaged. She is fine now, but has high cholesterol.