Statins are prescription medications that lower blood cholesterol. Some people who use statins experience side effects, which can include joint pain.
If you or someone you know is trying to reduce their cholesterol, you’ve heard about statins.
According to the
According to the American College of Cardiology, high LDL cholesterol is one of the most common risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The
Statins inhibit one of the first steps of cholesterol synthesis. They reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver by upregulating LDL receptors.
This can prevent extra cholesterol from building up on the inside of arteries, which could lead to heart attack or stroke. The end result is a 25 to 50% reduction in LDL cholesterol and a reduced risk of a future vascular event.
Generally, statins are well-tolerated. About 85 to 90% of patients report no side effects.
However, as with many people who take prescription medications, some people who use statins experience side effects. Keep reading to learn more about possible side effects, including joint pain.
There is little recent research on statins and joint pain. While muscle pain and joint pain are separate issues, if you’re on statins and experiencing aches, it might be worth considering exactly where the pain is.
The most common complaint with statins is muscle pain. The rate varies significantly, between 0.3 to 33%. This is due to the different populations involved in studies and the vague categorization of muscle side effects.
Further, patients who take statins are often asked to keep an eye out for muscle problems. So the amount of muscle complaints is likely higher than its true value.
However, if you are feeling pain, symptoms can include:
- muscle pain
- weakness
- cramps
In very rare cases, rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal condition, can occur. The vast majority of people who use statins will not have to worry about this condition, but you should discuss any aches and pains with your doctor.
Other reported side effects of statins include:
- liver or digestive problems
- high blood sugar
- type 2 diabetes
- memory problems
According to
Onset as a result of statin treatment is also more common in patients with preexisting risk factors. This can include obesity, pre-diabates, glycated hemoglobin, and impaired fasting glucose.
However, researchers say that the benefits of statin use outweigh the risk, even for high-risk patients who already have diabetes.
Memory problems are a debated topic in need of more research. A
It is recommended that liver enzymes are periodically monitored to prevent liver problems. If liver enzymes rise on statin medication, the dose can be adjusted. This normally resolves the issue.
Statins have been an important health development, but they aren’t the only way to decrease your chances of heart attack and stroke.
According to
- consuming a heart-healthy diet
- maintaining a healthy weight
- avoiding tobacco products
- regular exercise
It is also important to keep these factors in mind while on a statin.
If your body initially reacts adversely to a specific statin, you still have options. Your doctor may want to rechallenge your body with the same statin or a different one.
This could be followed by a switch in statin type, step-by-step reduction in dose, and intermittent or alternate day statin dosing.
Statins have been shown to help prevent heart attack and stroke, especially in cases where those health issues are inherited. But statins are not the only way to reduce cholesterol. Simple changes in your diet and an increase in exercise can make a difference.
If you are starting on a statin, it is important to talk with your doctor about your individual risk factors and the benefits of the medication.