Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 27: A new study has provided reassurance for millions of people taking statins to control cholesterol, finding that serious muscle-related complications linked to the medicines are extremely rare.
The study, published in The Lancet Digital Health, examined the most severe muscle problems associated with statin use and found that most muscle aches reported by patients are unlikely to be caused by the drugs.
Statins are among the most widely prescribed medicines for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They work by blocking an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which helps the body produce cholesterol. Lower levels of LDL, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol, reduce the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries.
Commonly used statins include atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin. Over the past three decades, research has shown that these medicines significantly reduce cardiovascular risks, especially among people with heart disease, diabetes or a family history of cardiac problems.
Researchers from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford studied severe muscle conditions that could require hospitalisation or lead to serious health consequences.
The findings showed that while muscle soreness, cramps, fatigue and weakness are often reported by statin users, the majority of these symptoms are not directly caused by the medication.
Experts pointed to the “nocebo effect”, where people who expect side effects may be more likely to experience symptoms, even when the medicine is not the actual cause.
The study found that life-threatening muscle damage from statins is extremely uncommon. One of the most serious complications, rhabdomyolysis, where rapid muscle breakdown can damage the kidneys, affects fewer than 0.1% of statin users.
Another rare condition, statin-associated autoimmune myopathy, occurs when the immune system attacks muscles, but researchers said it affects only a very small number of people.
The study also developed a risk calculator to help doctors identify patients who may be more likely to experience severe muscle-related complications.
Apart from muscle concerns, statins have also been linked to a slightly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, mainly among people who already have diabetes risk factors. Temporary increases in liver enzymes have also been reported, but experts say these risks are small compared with the heart-protective benefits.
Doctors continue to recommend statins for people at moderate or high risk of cardiovascular disease, while advising patients not to stop medication without consulting their healthcare providers.
The study concluded that statins remain one of the most effective tools available to prevent heart attacks and strokes, with serious muscle complications occurring only rarely.