Statin related muscle symptoms: is it time to move on

Inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (statins) are among the most widely investigated and prescribed drugs in cardiovascular medicine, and they have substantial effects on the outcomes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.12 Leading guidelines from US and Europe2 broadly recommend statins for people with high low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations and a high risk of cardiovascular events, including those with a history of cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention).12The approach for people at lower risk (including for primary prevention) is more variable. The European Society of Cardiology recommends statins for patients with high LDL cholesterol concentrations, even when their overall risk of cardiovascular events is low (<1% over 10 years),2 whereas the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recommend lifestyle modifications not statins for people with a risk below 5% over 10 years.1Despite clear indications, some studies show that roughly half of patients stop taking statins after six months, and... Read Original Article: Statin related muscle symptoms: is it time to move on »