[Current views on lipid metabolism: statin-induced myopathy].

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of death in Germany and the prevalence is increased in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Statins are often employed for primary and secondary prophylaxis of cardiovascular events but can potentially induce myopathy as a side-effect. In addition to an asymptomatic elevation of muscle enzymes, myalgia and myositis as well as rhabdomyolysis, the most severe side-effect, have been observed, which are mostly manifested within 6 months after initiation of therapy. Statin-induced myopathy is rare but if risk factors are present, the individual risk can be much higher. Such factors are in particular interaction with other medications, statin dosage, the characteristics of the statin preparation used, comorbidities, age and sex of the patient. Regular testing of muscle enzymes after induction of statin therapy is not generally recommended for asymptomatic patients, but is indispensable when muscle symptoms appear. Statin therapy must be immediately terminated and a diagnostic evaluation must be carried out at the latest when creatine kinase values show a more than 10-fold increase.