Scientists have identified a surprising reason why Lipitor, one of America’s most widely prescribed cholesterol drugs, may cause muscle pain and weakness.

The research, highlighted by ScienceDaily , shows that atorvastatin can interfere with a protein controlling calcium inside muscle cells. The resulting calcium leak may help explain why some patients experience muscle problems while taking statins.

Next: Your Body Starts Losing Strength Earlier Than You Think, Even if You Exercise

Scientists Found an Unexpected Reaction Inside Muscle Cells

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Researchers at the University of British Columbia and University of Wisconsin-Madison used cryo-electron microscopy to examine a protein called the ryanodine receptor, or RyR1.

Normally, this protein releases calcium when muscles contract.…