Is Coenzyme Q10 Effective in Reducing Statin-Induced Myalgias

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events such as acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and stroke. High cholesterol is prevalent in 20-25% of the adult population (1). For some individuals, life style changes such as diet and exercise are not enough to lower cholesterol to acceptable levels. For these individuals pharmacological treatment, such as statin therapy, is necessary. According to the American Heart Association, 106.7 million Americans over the age of 20 have high cholesterol and of those, it is estimated that 11 to 25 million are on statin therapy (1). Myalgias, or muscle aches, are a relatively common symptom of statin therapy and can be significant enough to cause cessation of treatment. Post -marketing studies show a 13.6% incidence of statin-induced myalgias (2). Research is being done to find ways to reduce the myalgias so individuals can remain on statins and therefore reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. On promising treatment option for statin-induced myalgias is the use of coenzyme q10.The question this paper asks is whether coenzyme q10 is effective in reducing statininduced myalgias. This question is relevant because proper treatment would decrease the number of patients stopping statin therapy, therefore decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events in a large portion of the American population. This paper will critically examine two randomized studies, each with different outcomes, to help determine if the use of coenzyme q10 is effective in reducing statin-induced myalgias.