Management of statin intolerance: a daily challenge in clinical practice

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world despite advances in both interventional cardiology strategies and comprehensive approach to cardiovascular risk factors. Statins constitute the drugs of choice for the management of cardiovascular risk and most dyslipidemias.
There is robust evidence about the reduction of major cardiovascular events, whose benefit is dose dependent. In this way a large number of people have an indication of statins, but a percentage close to 20% report to be intolerant. Nevertheless only 5% of the patients treated with statins, are real intolerant. Clinicians should confirm that the adverse effects are really associated with these drugs, to avoid losing the benefit before discontinuation.