Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is a type of medication called a statin that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood [1]. Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol, which helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol that is circulating in the bloodstream [2].
When it comes to high-intensity exercise, there is some evidence to suggest that statins like Lipitor may have an impact on athletic performance. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that statin use was associated with a 4.5% reduction in peak exercise capacity [3]. This may be because statins can cause muscle damage and weakness, which can make it harder to perform at a high level during exercise [2].
However, it is important to note that not all studies have found a negative impact of statins on exercise performance. A review published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology concluded that the available evidence is mixed, with some studies showing a negative effect of statins on exercise capacity and others showing no effect [2].
Overall, while there is some evidence to suggest that Lipitor and other statins may have a negative impact on high-intensity exercise performance, the evidence is not conclusive. Anyone who is taking Lipitor or another statin and is concerned about the potential impact on their exercise performance should talk to their doctor to discuss their individual situation.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542212/
[3] https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/statins-fact-or-fiction