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Laguna Hills Today
By the People, for the People
Study Identifies Potential Cause of Statin-Induced Muscle Aches
Researchers say a gene mutation may be to blame for the painful side effects experienced by some statin users.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has uncovered a potential explanation for why some people experience muscle aches and pains when taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications. The researchers found that a gene mutation affecting skeletal muscle receptors can lead to an influx of calcium into muscle cells when statins are introduced, potentially causing the painful statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) that affect about 10% of statin users.
Why it matters
Statins are one of the most effective treatments for high cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but SAMS can lead some patients to stop taking the medication. Understanding the underlying biological mechanism behind these side effects could help researchers develop ways to prevent or mitigate SAMS, allowing more patients to benefit from statin therapy.
The details
The study was conducted using a mouse model, with one group of genetically unmodified "wild-type" mice and another group with the genetic mutation. After administering the statin simvastatin to both groups, the researchers found that the mice with the mutation were more prone to developing SAMS due to increased calcium influx into their muscle cells.
- The study was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The players
Catherine Benziger, M.D.
Member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases Council.
Cheng-Han Chen, M.D.
Board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA.
What they’re saying
“Statins are an incredibly effective and proven therapy to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
— Catherine Benziger, M.D., Member of the American College of Cardiology Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases Council
“Statin-associated muscle symptoms are the most common reason people stop their statins.”
— Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., Board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA
What’s next
Future research will be needed to determine whether the findings from the mouse study translate to humans as well.
The takeaway
While more research is needed, these findings offer a promising new understanding of the biological mechanism behind statin-induced muscle aches, which could lead to the development of treatments or strategies to help more patients benefit from this important cholesterol-lowering medication.
