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.