Study Ties Statin Use to Reduced Physical Activity Among Aging Population

New research links statins to reduced physical activity in older men.

 The use of statins- drugs used to lower cholesterol- is on the rise with many people dependent on this drug. There has been a debate over the use of the drug in recent years for its side effects. Adding to the list of negative health effects is a new study led by researchers at the Oregon State University, which links use of statins to reduced physical activity.

In this study, the researchers analyzed 3,071 community living men of age 65 or older. They belonged to six geographical locations in the U.S. The researchers observed that men who took statins experienced an average of 40 minutes reduced moderate physical activity over a week, compared to their counterparts who never took the medication.

"For an older population that's already pretty sedentary, that's a significant amount less exercise," he said. "Even moderate amounts of exercise can make a big difference."

The researchers were surprised to notice that new statin users experienced a major drop in physical activity. Increase in sedentary behavior was tied to all-cause mortality and even death due to cardiovascular diseases.

During the study men wore accelerometers for a week that helped track by the minute their level of activity.

 Lee said, "This could decrease the benefit of the medication. If someone is already weak, frail, or sedentary, they may want to consider this issue, and consult with their doctor to determine if statin use is still appropriate."

According to the study reports, nearly one-third of the U.S. population takes statins to lower cholesterol levels.

The mystery behind why statins cause reduced physical activity is yet to be decoded. The researchers, however, assume that muscle pain can be one of the side-effects of use of statins that disrupts mitochondrial function in cells and contributes to fatigue and muscle weakness. Among 5-30 percent of people who take statins experience muscle pain

"Physical activity in older adults helps to maintain a proper weight, prevent cardiovascular disease and helps to maintain physical strength and function," said David Lee lead author of the study. "We're trying to find ways to get older adults to exercise more, not less. It's a fairly serious concern if use of statins is doing something that makes people less likely to exercise."

The study was documented in JAMA Internal Medicine.