Cholesterol drugs linked to Muscle, joint problems: study

But the heart of statin benefits outweigh the risk, says expert

By Steven Reinberg

HealthDay Reporter

Monday, June 3 (HealthDay new) - people taking statins to lower their cholesterol levels may slightly increase their risk of muscle and joint diseases as the sprains and strains, a new study suggests.

Statins such as Zocor and Lipitor, are widely used to lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease. But they are also thought to contribute to muscle weakness, muscle cramps and tendon problems.

The new study, based on nearly 14,000 soldiers in active service in the United States and war veterans, has confirmed an association between use of drugs and the musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. But the results need to be replicated in other studies and should not deter the people at risk of heart disease to take the medication, said lead researcher Dr. Ishak Mansi, of Dallas VA North Texas health care system.

"Do not stop Statins; These drugs have been life-savers for some patients,"said Mansi. "But talk to your doctor about the risk-benefit for you report."

Whether Statins should be universally prescribed in patients without risk factors for heart disease, as suggested some in the field of health, is another matter, said Mansi.

"The side effects of Statins are totally unknown," said Mansi. "Advocating the widespread use, especially for primary prevention in the healthy subjects, is harmful. ''

Researchers have adapted almost 7,000 users and a similar number of users to evaluate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with the use of statin Statin. The results were published online June 3 in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal.

They found that people taking statins had an increased risk of 19% have musculoskeletal problems compared to nonusers. More specifically, the Statin users were 13 percent more likely to suffer dislocations, strains or sprains. They were only 0.7% more likely to develop arthritis or other joint problems, which was considered not statistically significant, the researchers found.

The greater likelihood of strains, sprains and dislocations with statin use was reported in earlier, according to the researchers. The results could have implications for the physically active persons, such as members of the military.

Dr. Gregg Fonarow, spokesman for the American Heart Association, said Statin users should be reassured by the results.

"This study provides further evidence that the cardiovascular benefits outweigh the potential risks, including musculoskeletal problems," said Fonarow, Professor of cardiology at the University of California in Los Angeles.

"Statins have been demonstrated in several large-scale, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled to reduce the risk of... cardiovascular events in men and women with or at risk for cardiovascular disease," he said. "In these clinical trials of gold does on increased no risk of musculoskeletal diseases. ''

In the present study, three quarters of the participants were taking simvastatin (brand name Zocor) and about 20% were of atorvastatin (Lipitor). More small number have been prescribed Pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), fluvastatin (Lescol) or lovastatin (Mevacor).