August 05, 2019190805

This 2015 review argues statins may increase risk of heart failure and atherosclerosis via artery calcification and detrimental impacts on muscle (including heart muscle) function. The authors discuss multiple mechanisms that lead to these outcomes, including inhibited synthesis of CoQ10 and heme A (critical components of the electron transport chain), selenoproteins, and vitamin K2, as well as the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP insufficiency.