Statins have long been hailed as life-saving drugs for their role in lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks and strokes. But if you’ve ever chatted with someone on statins, you’ve likely heard complaints about muscle pain. Now, University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers have uncovered the science behind this uncomfortable side effect.
Why Do Statins Cause Muscle Pain?
UBC’s latest research reveals how statins can trigger muscle damage. For years, doctors prescribed these medications to millions with little understanding of why some patients suffered muscle aches, weakness, and cramping. The UBC scientists dug deep and found that statins disrupt key cellular processes in muscle tissue, leading to pain and, in rare cases, serious muscle injury.
This breakthrough could help doctors identify who might be at risk and develop better strategies to prevent or treat these side effects. So, if you’re one of the many people who groan every time you climb the stairs, science is finally on your side! Maybe in the future, you can have your (cholesterol-lowering) cake and eat it too—without the muscle pain.