Statins (such as simvastatin or Zocor) are the most effective and widely prescribed
medications to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the frequency of heart attacks, cardiac
deaths and strokes. Unfortunately, statins can cause muscle discomfort or pain called
"myalgia" in patients treated with these drugs. These symptoms often cause patients who need
these medications to stop taking the drug. The cause of statin muscle pain is not known, but
it is thought that a reduction of a vitamin-like substance called Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) during
statin treatment may play a role. CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance and is not a drug
approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study will look at the
effects of CoQ10 supplements on individuals who develop muscle symptoms while on simvastatin.
The investigators hope to test the hypothesis that CoQ10 supplementation compared to placebo
in patients with documented statin myalgia reduces the intensity of pain during statin
treatment.