Review article
Do statins lead to increased myopathy and changes in physical performance in athletes?
Klara Bardač
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Medicinski fakultet
Filip Luka Mikulić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Medicinski fakultet
Iveta Merćep
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb
Abstract
Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs today, given their enormous role in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular incidents, the main cause of death in today’s population thanks to an increasingly prevalent unhealthy lifestyle. However, concerns have arisen regarding their potential side effects, especially their impact on myopathy and alternation in physical performance, particularly in athletes. This article’s attention is to investigate the relationship between statin use and myopathy while looking into potential effects on physical performance. A broad literature review analyzed numerous studies to determine the prevalence and mechanisms of statin induced myopathy. The available evidence suggests that statins cause noticeable myopathy, although this varies depending on elements such as type of statin, dose and individual sensitivity. Additionally, the article explores the fundamental mechanisms by which statins may contribute to myopathy, as well as interference of the mevalonate pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the affect of statin use on physical performance among athletes is assesed. Multiple studies analyzing endurance, muscle power, and exercise volume in athletes taking statins have not found significant decreases in muscle strength and endurance in individuals. In order to diminish potential statin-induced myopathy while preserving performance, this article proposes certain strategies. These incorporate personalized statin selection, dose alterations, coenzyme Q10 supplementation and lifestyle moderation such as exercise and dietary customizations. Several studies have examined the impact of statins on physical performance in athletes, specifically endurance and muscle strength. However, despite the occurrence of myopathy, no noticeable effect on these factors or compromise in the quality of physical performance has been observed. However, it is worth noting that this topic has been studied for a relatively brief duration and due to the current absence of well-designed trials, it cannot be definitively asserted whether there truly exists such a minimal, insignificant association between the mentioned variables, particularly in the context of prolonged use of statin therapy, where the cumulative impact of these medications on muscles may only become evident after a certain timeframe.
Keywords
athletes, myopathy, physical performance, statins
Hrčak ID:
304527
URI
Publication date:
29.12.2022.
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