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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Statins are a group of cholesterol-lowering medications. While incredibly beneficial to many people working to manage hyperlipidemia, statins come with the risk of side effects including muscle pain. So-called statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS)—including myalgia (generalized muscle pain) and myopathy (diseases that cause muscle weakness)—are notable ones. Muscle pain associated with statins may be mild, uncomfortable, or significant enough to impact daily life. In rare cases, the drugs can have a serious impact on the muscles. This article explores symptoms of statin-related muscle pain and why it happens. It also covers the diagnosis of statin-related muscle pain and treatment. NickyLloyd / Getty Images Symptoms of Statin-Related Muscle Pain SAMS can vary in frequency and severity. The following are the three most common forms of statin-related muscle pain: Myalgia: This type of muscle pain usually feels like mild soreness. Myalgia also often comes with mild feelings of weakness.Which muscles are most affected by statins?The muscles most affected by statins include those in the shoulders, arms, hips, or thighs. Myositis: Myositis, a type of myopathy, causes muscle pain and inflammation and an elevation in CK (a muscle enzyme) levels in the blood. The presence of CK in the blood is an indicator of muscle damage.Rhabdomyolysis: While fortunately very rare, this severe type of myopathy is a life-threatening condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue that causes muscle fiber contents to be released into the blood, potentially causing kidney damage.Muscle problems related to statin therapy usually begin within a few weeks to a few months after beginning treatment. While statin-related myalgia, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis will resolve once you stop taking statins, rhabdomyolysis may result in irreversible muscle damage. Additionally, one study showed statin-associated autoimmune myopathies are also a side effect of statins. This serious muscle-wasting condition is rare and occurs in a fraction of patients. Why Do Statins Cause Muscle Pain? While there are several theories on why statins may cause muscle pain, none have been confirmed. Research has shown that the gene atrogin-1 may be the source of muscle pain in those taking statins. This gene turns on at the beginning stages
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