I will attach a patient educational video to this blog. I did this lecture for my patients because it is a common issue with patients taking statin medications, since it can result in chronic muscle aches and cramps. The Statin medications cause pain because they interfere with your muscle physiology. The kicker is the statin medications are not even preventing heart disease, but instead they lead to liver disease. The muscle pain statin medications cause is just the tip of the iceberg of side effects of an unnecessary dangerous medication. The true cause of heart disease is oxidative stress leading to the inflammatory process.
Why are Statin Medications Prescribed
Statin medications are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, primarily low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
They work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the liver’s production of cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, statins reduce cholesterol synthesis, prompting the liver to pull more LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
Lowering LDL helps:
- Reduce plaque buildup in arteries (slowing or reversing atherosclerosis)
- Improve blood flow to the heart and brain
- Lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain cardiovascular events
Some statins also slightly raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and lower triglycerides, further supporting heart health.
How Statin Medications Are Making You Sick
Statins don’t just affect cholesterol production — they also influence other processes in the body, especially in muscles, the liver, and sometimes the nervous system.
Here’s how they can make someone feel sick:
- Muscle pain and weakness (myalgia or myopathy)
- Statins can interfere with energy production in muscle cells by reducing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels, which are important for cell energy.
- This can cause soreness, cramping, or weakness, usually in the legs, arms, or back.
- Fatigue and low energy
- Lower CoQ10 and muscle strain can lead to overall tiredness and difficulty doing normal activities.
- Digestive upset
- Some people experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach discomfort as their body adjusts to the medication.
- Headaches or dizziness
- Changes in circulation or blood pressure can sometimes contribute to these symptoms.
- Liver irritation
- Statins are processed in the liver, and in rare cases they can cause inflammation or abnormal liver enzyme levels, which may lead to malaise or loss of appetite.
- Nerve-related symptoms (less common)
- Tingling, numbness, or memory issues have been reported in some individuals, though research is still mixed on how strongly statins cause them.
The Importance of Cholesterol
Cholesterol often gets a bad reputation, but it’s actually one of the most important substances in your body. Cholesterol is a type of fat found in every cell and is essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones, and supporting brain and nervous system function. Without cholesterol, your body couldn’t make vitamin D or the bile acids that help digest fats. In fact, cholesterol is critical for healing and repair at the cellular level.
The problem arises not from cholesterol itself, but from imbalances caused by inflammation, poor diet, or stress. When cholesterol levels become too high or when it oxidizes due to free radicals, it may contribute to arterial plaque and cardiovascular problems. On the other hand, too little cholesterol can impair hormone balance, reduce brain health, and weaken immunity.
At Aiello Family Health in Franklin, TN, we focus on restoring balance. Instead of viewing cholesterol as simply “good” or “bad,” we look at the whole picture — lifestyle, inflammation, and nutrition. By addressing underlying imbalances naturally, patients can maintain healthy cholesterol function and support long-term wellness.