Statins: A side effect that affects walking within 6 months of use

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Statins have revolutionized the treatment of high cholesterol, but inflammation and muscle damage sometimes occur. One of the lesser-known complications can affect walking for six months after the first dose.

High cholesterol levels contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which leads to heart attacks and other serious heart conditions. Fortunately, statins prevent the deposition of fat molecules inside the arteries. However, in some cases, patients had unsteadiness when walking. Adherence to statin therapy remains problematic due to the drug's unwanted side effects.

“Myopathy occurs in 0.5% of patients treated with statins during clinical trials, and rhabdomyolysis occurs in an even smaller proportion of users. However, fewer studies assessed muscle strength among users, so the incidence of weakness, whether or not related to myopathy, may be underestimated. The most common complaint was unsteadiness when walking, especially on uneven surfaces or when changing direction.

< p>Patients usually could not pinpoint onset, but their history of daily activities predicted a change in function six months after first statin use. The patients and their doctors were unaware of the muscle weakness. They attributed the symptoms to complications of chronic or recent neurological disorders.

Other complications included difficulty using the toilet or car seat, and mild fatigue when shopping or climbing stairs. Within three months after discontinuation of statins, all patients regained proximal strength.