Statins: New insights into muscle pain causes and cardiovascular benefits

Recent medical research has provided new insights into the efficacy and side effects of statins, a common class of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Wisconsin–Madison have identified a potential biological cause for statin-induced muscle pain. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team discovered that statins may attach directly to the RyR1 protein, which acts as a gate controlling calcium release in muscle cells. This interaction can disrupt the calcium levels necessary for normal muscle contraction and relaxation.

In a separate large-scale study known as the STAREE trial, researchers found that daily atorvastatin use in healthy adults over age 70 reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events—such as heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death—by 30% compared to a placebo. While the treatment significantly lowered LDL cholesterol, the study noted that it did not improve disability-free survival, including rates of dementia or long-term physical disability. Musculoskeletal issues were slightly more frequent in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group.