Pills made me feel awful so I changed diet instead
ESTATE agent Andrew Cuckill did not think he was a heart attack risk.
The 58-year-old father of two has never smoked, does not drink heavily and exercised regularly.
Yet three years ago he suffered a minor heart attack – while he was at the gym.
Like millions of others he was put on statins after a stay in hospital, but he decided to ditch them after four months because of the crippling side effects.
After reading up on the science behind diet, Andrew, from Altrincham, Cheshire, found cutting out sugar and refined carbohydrates was more beneficial.
He said: “I made a decision to cut out sugar and by that time I really wanted to stop taking statins because I was getting terrible side effects including abnormal LFT’s (adverse liver function) and a pain akin to ‘toothache’ in my muscles.
“I went to a cardiologist and was told if I took a statin every day for five years I had a one in 39 chance of preventing another incident and one in 83 chance of preventing death.”
By ditching bread, pasta, and chocolate for avocados, eggs and nuts, Andrew, now 12st 11b, has lost 20lb and four inches off his waist.
He said: “The problem with statins is that we are all in awe of doctors.
“My life has changed for the better since I came off statins and changed my lifestyle. And my family has seen the benefit too.”