Grant: Operating Grant

Statins are a class of drugs that are widely prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels. Although they have few side effects, many patients report muscle pain, cramps, and weakness when using these drugs. We know very little on the real impact of these muscle symptoms on patient quality of life, especially in relation to muscle strength and endurance. Even less is known on how to prevent or treat these symptoms, short of stopping statin use. This proposal will explore muscle function (strength and endurance) in men and women suffering from statin-induced muscle symptoms. The mechanisms responsible for these muscle symptoms will also be explored. Also, since some data suggest that vitamin D supplementation could alleviate statin-induced muscle symptoms, we will assess the potential usefulness of this supplement in a randomized control trial. Together, the results from this project will provide real information on the effects of these drugs on muscle-related function, how they come about, and potentially how to palliate them.