We aim to study the prevalence of the side-effects of statins among Iranians 
patients admitted to a cardiac-specialized hospital and had taken statins prior 
to hospitalization. Data was collected between September 2007 and March 2008 and 
200 patients were enrolled. A questionnaire was completed using the patients' 
records and by interviewing the patients. The mean age of the participants was 
61.5 (SD 12.3) years and 63% were males. The most commonly used statins was 
atrovastatin (99% of the patients). In all, 63.5% of the participants reported 
experiencing side-effects due to statins. The reported side-effects were 
respiratory (18.5%), headache (16.5%), rash (0.5%) and allergic reactions (5%); 
9.5% reported (4%) and gastrointestinal effect muscle-related side-effects such 
as myalgia. Although, the clinical benefits outweigh the small risk of liver 
failure and myopathy, clinicians should be aware of the side-effects of statins.