Title

Assessment and Management of Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms (SAMS)

Authoring Organization

Publication Month/Year

September 10, 2022

Last Updated Month/Year

February 13, 2024

Document Type

Consensus

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the most common form of statin intolerance and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events that manifest from statin underutilization and discontinuation. 

Treatment to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other atherogenic lipoproteins is a well-established strategy to reduce the occurrence of fatal and nonfatal atherosclerotic events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization. Statins, as an adjunct to a heart healthy lifestyle, are the preferred initial pharmacotherapy for atherogenic lipoprotein lowering intervention due to their proven efficacy, safety, reduction in atherosclerotic events, and prolongation of life.

Statins are generally well tolerated:

  • Some degree of statin intolerance is reported in 5-30% of patients and contributes to reduced statin adherence and persistence, but many symptoms are unrelated to the statins.
  • Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the most common form of statin intolerance.
  • The prevalence of SAMS is estimated to be about 10% (range 5% to 25%), but more than 80% of cases are not caused by the statin.
  • Approximately 60-80% of patients with SAMS are eventually able to tolerate some statin regimen (one of the seven statins, often at low dose).
  • Use of non-statin therapies can increase the likelihood of achieving LDL-C and non-HDL-C goals in patients with SAMS.

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Management

Keywords

Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms, SAMS