How Physically Active are Statin Users? The Polish Norwegian Study (PONS)

Abstract

IntroductionPharmacological treatment of hypercholesterolemia needs to be accompanied by increased physical activity. Whether this is implemented is not fully known.MethodsWe used cross‐sectional data of 12754 participants, ages 45 to 64 years, in an ongoing cohort study in Poland. Statin use during the last 30 days was recorded. Physical activity assessment was based on the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
ResultsThere were 1728 (13.55%) statin users. Fewer statin users (37.56%) than non‐users (39.37%) reached the highest physically active category (p < 0.05). Statin users were 1.24 (95% CI: 1.13 to 1.37) more likely to watch TV for more than 20 hours/week (29.72%) than non‐statin users (23.10%) , even when age, gender, BMI, muscle/joint pain and cardiovascular disease status were adjusted for. The proportion of people meeting the recommended activity levels of 500‐1000 MET‐minutes/week, minutes spent sitting, engaging in walking activities, moderate and vigorous activities were not statistically significant between statin users and non‐users, adjusting for age and BMI. Statin‐users were more likely to report poor overall health (8.35%), muscle/joint pain (73.96%) and poor health as a barrier to exercise (14.72%) than non‐statin users (4.69%, 66.12% and 8.29% respectively, all p < 0.001).ConclusionStatin‐users do not have more favorable physical activity patterns than non‐users. Further studies are needed to explore the contribution of the “false reassurance” phenomenon and that of medication side effects.