Physical Activity Levels and Statin Therapy

Physical Activity Levels and Statin Therapy: Differences Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Statin Users

Rationale: Combining statin treatment and physical activity is very effective for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Statins are well-tolerated by most patients, but may cause statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS).

Objective: To identify predictors for SAMS in statin users and to objectively assess physical activity levels and sedentary time between symptomatic and asymptomatic statin users.

Combining statin treatment and physical activity is very effective for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Statins are well-tolerated by most patients, but may cause statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Physical activity may exacerbate SAMS, producing decreased physical activity levels or statin nonadherence. However, it is unknown if daily activity patterns differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic statin users.

In this cross-sectional observational study the investigators will assess if physical activity levels and sedentary time differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic statins users. Secondly, questionnaires will be used to assess predictors of SAMS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mentally able to give informed consent
• Statin treatment for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known hereditary muscle defect
• Known mitochondrial disease
• Other diseases known to cause muscle symptoms (e.g. m. Parkinson or rheumatic diseases)