Muscle pain from statins

Just wondering if any of you who may be taking a statin for cholesterol control are experiencing any side effects. I’m 62 years old. At my annual checkup in February, my primary care doc put me on one. I was reluctant, but he was adamant. My cholesterol has always hovered around 200…maybe +/- 10 points. The doc said one of the side effects can be muscle pain. So since I began taking them, I’m experiencing just a bit of discomfort in my upper arm/deltoid. I can still swim…but it’s a nuisance. (The deltoid discomfort seems to be the only side effect for me.)  Wondering how others (swimmers) are dealing with it.

Dan

Parents
  • FWIW, over the past 7 years, my cholesterol is ranges from 175-190, so close to your numbers.  My PCP does not comment though because my LDL is in the mid-70s and HDL in the 85-95 range.

    Does your PCP insist on the statin because your LDL is high?

    My wife's PCP is urging her to consider statins because her LDL is around 110, but we have pushed back because, in our minds, the amount of reduction in stroke risk was not worth the side-effects.  

    I agree with Alan to look for alternatives.

Reply
  • FWIW, over the past 7 years, my cholesterol is ranges from 175-190, so close to your numbers.  My PCP does not comment though because my LDL is in the mid-70s and HDL in the 85-95 range.

    Does your PCP insist on the statin because your LDL is high?

    My wife's PCP is urging her to consider statins because her LDL is around 110, but we have pushed back because, in our minds, the amount of reduction in stroke risk was not worth the side-effects.  

    I agree with Alan to look for alternatives.

Children