CHALLENGING CLINICAL ISSUE OF MUSCLE SYMPTOMS IN STATIN TREATED PATIENTS: A COMPARISON WITH AHA GUIDELINES

Abstract

Objective: To study the frequency of myalgia occurring in Asian population athalf or even lower doses of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin with recommended byAmerican Heart Association.

Methodology: This retrospective cross sectional study included patientsundergoing statin therapy with Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin treated atRawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, from June to October 2015. Patients weredivided into group A receiving 10, 20 and 40mg Atorvastatin and group Rreceiving 5, 10 and 20mg of Rosuvastatin. Interview administered questionnaireswere used to collect data regarding their cholesterol profile (mg/dl), statin and itstolerance. For statistical analysis Chi square test was used with p<0.05 wastaken as significant.

Result: A total of 500 patients were included with 276 patients in group A and 224 in group R. Most of the patients presented with the risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, out of which 84.8% had ≥2 risk factorsand 15.2% had <2 risk factors, necessitating use of statins. A majority ofpatients experienced myalgia, 80.8% in group A and 83.5%in group R (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that statin lead tofrequent muscle related adverse effects and may be challenging in some patientseven at lower doses than the recommendation of American Heart Association.

Key Words: Statins, Myalgia, Asian patients, Statin Intolerance.