Can statins cause heart muscle damage?

Since statins can cause muscle damage, they could theoretically also harm the heart–which is, essentially, a big muscle–although there is no evidence that this is the case.

Are statins bad for your muscles?

Very rarely, statins can cause life-threatening muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis). Rhabdomyolysis can cause severe muscle pain, liver damage, kidney failure and death. The risk of very serious side effects is extremely low, and calculated in a few cases per million people taking statins.

Which muscles are most affected by statins?

Symptoms of statin-induced myopathy As with most cases of myopathy, symptoms originate in the muscles of the upper arms, shoulders, pelvis, and thighs. During the advanced stage of the disease, the muscles of the feet and hands can be affected.

Can statin induced myopathy be reversed?

While myopathy caused by statins can be mild and can be reversed when the medication is discontinued, it may present as rhabdomyolysis or severe muscle damage.

Is it OK to take a break from statins?

It’s possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others. For instance, if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, it’s not recommended that you stop taking these drugs. This is because you’re more likely to have another such problem when you discontinue statins.

Do statins have long term effects?

“We reviewed all the studies that had been done, and found that the most rigorous studies show that statins do not commonly cause memory loss. If anything, long-term use of statins might have a beneficial effect on the brain since they help prevent strokes and protect the health of arteries in the brain.”

Can statins affect tendons?

Statins have adverse effects on the tendon. Many studies have analyzed the relationship between atorvastatin and skeletal muscles. Atorvastatin administered after the surgical repair of a ruptured tendon appears to affect revascularization, collagenization, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen construction.