Researchers delving into the side effects of statins found evidence that the popular cholesterol-lowering drugs may sap energy levels in users.
The study indicates that statin drugs may contribute to a drop in energy and fatigue upon exertion.
The danger of the potential adverse effect was particularly enhanced in women.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Beatrice Golomb, associate professor of medicine at the University of California-San Diego stated, "We found that even at comparatively modest doses, statins were associated with a not-inconsequential drop in energy in some patients, a rise in fatigue with exertion in others and sometimes both.
She added, "This was true for both men and women. But it appears to be more of a problem for female patients."
Study Details
In a study designed to investigate whether statins can cause energy drain and exercise intolerance for users, the researchers tracked 1,016 healthy adults (700 men and more than 300 women) from the San Diego region.
The participants were all aged 21 years or older with elevated LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol. However, none had a history of heart disease or diabetes.
As a part of the study, they were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 40 milligrams of Pravachol (pravastatin), the most water-soluble statin, 20 mg of Zocor (simvastatin), the most fat-soluble statin every evening before retiring for six months.
During the study, the volunteers were asked to rate their energy and fatigue levels on a five-point scale, from "much worse" to "much better." In addition they were questioned how they felt after exercising.
Outcome of the study
The study found those placed on statins were more likely to report lower energy levels and more fatigue with exertion compared to people assigned to the placebo.
The effect was more pronounced in women, with 40 percent experiencing weariness with exertion and a drop in energy while taking the daily dose.
Dr. Golomb says, “Energy is central to quality of life. Exertional fatigue not only predicts actual participation in exercise, but lower energy and greater exertional fatigue may signal triggering of mechanisms by which statins may adversely affect cell health.”
Based on the study findings, the researchers suggest that medical professionals should weigh the pros and cons before prescribing statins to people.
The findings were reported online June 11 in Archives of Internal Medicine.
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