Re: Statins and muscle damage

In article <1148774898.566651.306910@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
"Javier" <rojasj@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Measure your calf and forearms. Document with your doctors.
I lost 22 % so please monitor. Gradual loss is hard to perceive so
check often ,
Rare but hurts like hell when it is you.


Thanks Bill, I'll have to keep an eye on things. I'll ask my doctor
about the tests. As of now my calfs and legs are bigger due to my
constant bike rididng ( I mostly train up hill) and my forearms are a
bit smaller due to all the fat I lost but they are much more defined,
vascular and stronger.


Ironically heavy exercise is one of the risk factors for developing
rhabdomyolysis. For example see a recent review in Am J Med. 2006
May;119(5):400-9


Clinical perspectives of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis.

Antons KA, Williams CD, Baker SK, Phillips PS.

Scripps Mercy Clinical Research Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San
Diego, Calif 92103, USA.

Fear of muscle toxicity remains a major reason that patients with
hyperlipidemia are undertreated. Recent evaluations of statin-induced
rhabdomyolysis offer new insights on the clinical management of both
muscle symptoms and hyperlipidemia after rhabdomyolysis. The incidence
of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis is higher in practice than in
controlled trials in which high-risk subjects are excluded. Accepted
risks include age; renal, hepatic, and thyroid dysfunction; and
hypertriglyceridemia. New findings suggest that exercise, Asian race,
and perioperative status also may increase the risk of statin muscle
toxicity. The proposed causes and the relationship of drug levels to
statin rhabdomyolysis are briefly reviewed along with the problems with
the pharmacokinetic theory. Data suggesting that patients with certain
metabolic abnormalities are predisposed to statin rhabdomyolysis are
presented. The evaluation and treatment of patients' muscle symptoms and
hyperlipidemia after statin rhabdomyolysis are presented. Patients whose
symptoms are related to other disorders need to be identified. Lipid
management of those whose symptoms are statin-related is reviewed
including treatment suggestions.


Roland
.