Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Some patients with high cholesterol levels are afraid to
take statins because off fear of developing side effects such as
muscle pain. A study from Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego
reviews the latest data on side effects of statins (The American
Journal of Medicine, May 2006). This review found that statin-
induced muscle damage is more common in Asians, people who
exercise, have had recent surgery, have kidney, liver or
thyroid disease, or have high triglycerides. The incidence of
muscle pain and damage from statins is extremely low in non-
exercisers, three to ten percent in those who exercise, and very
high in competitive athletes.
Most athletes refuse to take statin
drugs because they train by taking a hard workout that damages
their muscles. Then they must take easy workouts until the
soreness disappears and muscles heal. When statins prevent
this muscle healing, the athlete must train at reduced intensity for
a much longer period of time. Brand names of statins include:
Altoprev, Crestor, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor.
June 15, 2006