Investigating the Incidence, Diagnosis, Prevention and Management of Statin-Induced Adverse Effects

Pharmaceutical Scineces-Medicine for novel therapy

Abstract

Statin therapy reduces mortality associated with cardiovascular disease by preventing myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Despite the proven benefits of statins in this context, there is growing concern among patients and physicians regarding the safety of their short- and long-term use and adverse side effects, particularly muscle toxicity. As a result, nonadherence and withdrawal from treatment occur. This study is aimed to investigate the effectiveness of statin use in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adults and the elderly by examining the incidence, diagnosis, prevention, and management of statin-induced adverse effects. A cross-sectional study of 350 patients using statins was conducted at King Abdulaziz and Hera’a General Hospital in Makkah. Data were retrieved from medical records and analyzed using SPSS software. The mean age of the sample population was 62±12 years old. Nearly 60% of patients had comorbidities, such as diabetes. However, statin treatment significantly decreased the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. Additionally, high-density lipoprotein levels were increased significantly, especially in patients with diabetes, indicating lower cardiovascular risk. The 2019 data showed that a high prevalence of patients used statin therapy. However, more than half of these patients achieved the low density lipoprotein treatment target. These results emphasize effective monitoring by physicians and patient adherence to the medications.