Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your body and some foods. Your body needs it to produce hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help you digest fat.

However, too much cholesterol in your blood can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

What are Statins?

Statins are medications that lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to produce cholesterol. This prompts your liver to remove cholesterol from your bloodstream.

Statins have been shown to be effective in preventing heart attacks and strokes in people with high cholesterol.

What are the Side Effects of Statins?

Statins are generally safe, but like all medications, they can cause side effects. The most common side effect is muscle pain and weakness, also known as myalgia. Some people also experience stomach upset, headaches, and skin rash.

Study Links Statins to Muscle Aches

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that statins are linked to muscle aches. The study included more than 40,000 patients who took statins for at least six months.

The researchers found that nearly 60% of the patients reported muscle pain, and more than 20% reported muscle weakness. These symptoms were more common in older patients and those taking higher doses of statins.

Why Do Statins Cause Muscle Aches?

The exact mechanism by which statins cause muscle aches is not fully understood. It is thought that statins deplete a molecule called coenzyme Q10, which helps your cells produce energy. This can lead to muscle injury and pain.

Additionally, statins may trigger an inflammatory response in your muscles, leading to discomfort.

What Can You Do if You Experience Muscle Aches from Statins?

If you experience muscle aches or weakness while taking statins, talk to your doctor. They may recommend adjusting your dose or switching to a different medication.

Your doctor may also recommend taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement to help alleviate muscle pain. Additionally, you can try stretching before exercising, taking frequent breaks during physical activity, and avoiding overdoing it.

Are There Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol?

If you cannot take statins due to side effects or other reasons, there are alternative treatments for high cholesterol. These include:.

Ezetimibe: A medication that reduces the absorption of cholesterol from your diet.
Bile acid sequestrants: Medications that lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids in your intestines, preventing them from being reabsorbed into your bloodstream.
PCSK9 inhibitors: A relatively new class of medications that lower cholesterol by blocking a protein that regulates cholesterol in your liver.
Diet and exercise: Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help lower your cholesterol levels naturally.

The Bottom Line

Statins are effective medications for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, they can cause side effects, including muscle aches and weakness.

If you experience these symptoms while taking statins, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or switching to a different medication. Additionally, there are alternative treatments for high cholesterol if you cannot take statins for any reason.