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| Thursday, June 6, 2013 |
The Latest Side Effect of Cholesterol Drugs
Dear Jorge,
Have you noticed a little added soreness after you started taking cholesterol medication? If you have, you're not alone.
A recent study confirms people taking popular cholesterol drugs called statins (such as "Lipitor" and "Zocor") are at an increased risk of suffering muscle and joint problems, while experiencing a greater incidence of strains and sprains. Statins are used to regulate cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
The study looked at roughly 14,000 active U.S. soldiers and veterans and their susceptibility to muscle and joint problems. Researchers selected this cohort because they are typically active individuals who may be a little more prone to injury than the average citizen. In general, people who play sports or live active lifestyles are more prone to strains and sprains.
Participants taking statins for cholesterol were 19% more likely to suffer musculoskeletal problems than non-users and 13% more likely to suffer dislocations, sprains, or strains.
It's unclear why this happens but it appears statins weaken muscles and joints, making them more susceptible to injury. That being said, if you're currently taking a cholesterol drug like Lipitor you should remain on it. The benefits to your heart outweigh the risk of a sprained ankle or strained back.
However, if you don't absolutely need statin drugs to improve your cholesterol or are relatively healthy, it's wise to avoid them. They are relatively new on the scene and the potential side effects are still not fully understood. Taking the drugs without an immediate need might cause unforeseen problems and, as usual, more details will emerge as more research is conducted.
If you're taking one of these drugs, I recommend finding ways to limit injuries. I'd never suggest ceasing all activity, because exercise and movement is good for your muscles, joints, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, but I would pay careful attention to what you do and how you do it.
Research shows light walking, in excess of 90 minutes per week, can ease joint pain in people with arthritis. Light exercise loosens up the joints and makes them more flexible and less prone to locking up. Try doing some light exercise, like walking, to improve your condition.
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Before starting your exercise, however, it's important to protect yourself from the risk of strains or sprains. Make sure your walking shoes have thick, even soles. Worn, uneven soles can increase the risk of rolling an ankle or a fall. Make sure your shoes fit well and are not too constricting around the foot or cause your foot to slide around, too. Walking on even ground can also reduce the risk of a fall.
Eating a balanced, healthy diet can also reduce the likelihood of sprains and strains. A proper diet ensures the right nutrition to help the body function optimally and resist injury. Furthermore, be sure to stretch out before exercise so your muscles are limber.
In health,
Helen Martyre
Sources for Today's Article:
"What Are Sprains and Strains?" National Institute of Health web site, June 2009; http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/sprains_and_strains_ff.asp, last accessed June 4, 2013.
"Try Walking to Ease Joint Pain," Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site, May 27, 2013; http://www.cdc.gov/Features/EaseArthritisPain/, last accessed June 4, 2013.
Hope, J., "Statins Can Weaken Muscles and Joints: Cholesterol drug raises risk of problems by up to 20%" Daily Mail web site, June 3, 2013; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2335397/Statins-weaken-muscles-joints-Cholesterol-drug-raises-risk-problems-20-cent.html?ito=feeds-newsxml, last accessed June 4, 2013
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