Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver [1]. While there is no direct evidence linking the use of Lipitor to swimming performance, some studies have examined the effects of atorvastatin on exercise performance in general.
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology examined the effects of atorvastatin on exercise performance in patients with dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the blood. The study found that atorvastatin did not significantly affect exercise performance, including swimming performance, in these patients [2].
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism examined the effects of atorvastatin on muscle metabolism and exercise performance in healthy men. The study found that atorvastatin did not significantly affect muscle metabolism or exercise performance in these individuals [3].
While these studies suggest that atorvastatin, and therefore Lipitor, may not have a significant impact on swimming performance, it is important to note that individual responses to the drug may vary. Additionally, other factors such as diet, exercise habits, and overall health may also play a role in swimming performance.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25093910/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3779874/