Voice Fundamental Frequency Variation and Statin Therapy

Statins are considered a first-line treatment for dyslipidaemia, being the most frequently prescribed medicine worldwide. However, statin therapy has been associated with several adverse effects, including statin-associated myopathy, which may manifest with symptoms such as myalgia, muscle stiffness, and cramps. Because phonation involves skeletal muscles of the larynx, statin-related muscular effects may also influence vocal function. The fundamental frequency of the voice (FFF) depends on vocal fold length, mass, and tension and may therefore reflect alterations in laryngeal muscle function.

In this prospective observational study, the authors analysed the FFF at the baseline (T0), before initiating statin therapy, and after 3 months of treatment (T1). To measure the FFF, we have used a sensible microphone and the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.

Thirty-six adult patients (16 men and 20 women) have been initially enrolled, 28 of whom have successfully completed the study (12 men and 16 women).

Among the 28 patients who have completed the 3 months' study, 20 have had a reduction of the FFF. Of these, 14 have experienced mild muscle cramps, whereas 6 of them have not experienced any symptoms.

Changes in fundamental frequency were observed in a proportion of patients undergoing statin therapy. These findings suggest that acoustic voice analysis may potentially reflect alterations in laryngeal muscle function during statin treatment. However, given the limited sample size and the absence of a control group, further prospective studies with larger cohorts and controlled confounding factors are necessary to clarify the potential role of FFF as an objective marker of statin-associated myopathy.