The role of vitamin D in statin treated patients complaining of myalagia

Abstract

Background: There is a multitude of evidence supporting the benefit of statin use in cardiovascular disease; however, statin-induced myopathy is a major reason for statin discontinuation and non-adherence. Vitamin D deficiency has been independently associated with muscle weakness and severe myopathy, and may be a confounder for statin-induced myopathies. Objectives: To determine whether low serum vitamin D is associated with the occurrence of myalgia in statin treated patients. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 60 statin-treated patients. Patients were divided into two groups each was formed of 30 patients. Group 1 enrolled patients taking statins and suffering from myalgia, while group 2 enrolled patients on statins yet free of muscle pains. Results: The duration of myalgia in symptomatic patients was (5.03±2.4 weeks). Statin Myalgia Clinical Index score in myalgic patients ranged between 9 to 11. The current study found a significant association between low serum vitamin D level and myalgia in statin treated patients. Patients with statin-associated myalgia had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to asymptomatic patients (29.3±12.4 vs. 97.4±15.1 nmol/mL, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study provided suggestive evidence that there is an association between plasma vitamin D levels and statin-associated myalgia. Patients with statin-associated myalgia had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to asymptomatic patients. Vitamin D levels may be useful for the diagnosis and management of statin-associated muscle symptoms.