Statin drugs are taken by millions of Americans to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.

But new research shows that one unintended result of these drugs may be causing older men to exercise less.

Researchers analyzed health surveys on 3,071 men age 65 or older living in communities across six geographic regions of the United States. They found that men who took statins averaged about 40 minutes less of moderate physical activity over a one-week period.

They also found that new statin users had the largest decline in physical activity.

No reason was given for the decrease, but muscle pain is found in 5 to 30 percent of people who take statins — and some report feeling weak, tired, or less energetic.

I am very concerned about this research because being sedentary is a major risk factor for heart disease, and this study involves precisely the type of people who need to be exercising more, not less.

Because statins can cause loss of energy, I recommend to patients who take them that they also use the supplement coenzyme Q10, which helps produce energy in the body’s cells.

I recommend taking 200 to 400 mg daily.