Potential Adverse Effects of Statins on Muscle

Abstract

any people have high blood cholesterol that may lead to coronary heart disease (CHD). A multifaceted approach consisting of diet, exercise, and pharmacological management is recommended to lower the risk of CHD. 1 Elevated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) has been established as a major cause of CHD. Lowering LDL-C is the goal of statin therapy, and multiple studies indicate that lowering LDL-C decreases the risk for CHD in people without a history of CHD and decreases the risk for cardiovascular events in people with a history of CHD. 1 Six statins are currently available, and they are known by a variety of brand names: atorvastatin (Lipitor*), fluvastatin (Lescol ), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev ), pravastatin (Pravachol ), rosuvastatin (Crestor # ), and simvastatin (Zocor ) 2-4 (Table ). Although these drugs have been very successful in managing the cardiovascular health of many patients, there are also potential adverse effects that have been identified. The most common adverse effects reported include muscle pain or weakness that can progress to rhabdomyolysis and mortality. 5 If detected early, statin-related symptoms are reversible after withdrawal of the statin. Early identification of these potentially serious [