Statin myopathy: over-rated and under-treated?
Statins are recommended as first-line therapy for cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, a proportion of patients cannot tolerate these drugs because of muscle-related side-effects. This review summarizes the definition of statin-related muscle disorders, aetiological factors, and recommended management strategies.



A number of consensus groups have defined and classified statin-related muscle disorders, whereas others have suggested diagnostic and management strategies. Mechanisms behind statin-related muscle toxicity have been identified. Therapeutic and clinical investigation pathways have been reviewed and algorithms defined. New drugs have become available to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels that are not associated with causing muscle side-effects.



Statin-related muscle side-effects are common. Secondary causes of muscle disease unmasked by statin therapy should be identified. Most patients can be managed by adjustment of standard treatment protocols.
Department of Metabolic Medicine and Chemical Pathology, Guy's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Negar
N
Maghsoodi
Anthony S
AS
Wierzbicki
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors