I'm 77, physically fit, not overweight. My high blood pressure is well controlled with drugs. Normal cholesterol levels. I cycle, hike, walk, ski (both cross country and downhill) eat right and don't drink a lot. Last November I had a stress test that resulted in an angioplasty: 99% blockage in my left anterior descending artery and some blockage of less than 60% in two other spots. I received a stent as well as a prescription for atorvastatin to get my LDL down below 70. Currently it's 18 as a result. I came very close to a heart attack, so I'm not arguing with the cardiologist about prescriptions. He said that keeping my LDL low would benefit me. I believe him. But what is the difficulty with statins? Are there serious adverse side effects? I see that some posters say they can't take statins. Why not? I'm lucky to be alive and have no qualms in following advice from the cardiologist.