Statins and Falls in the Elderly

Statins have a proven effect in decreasing mortality from strokes and heart failure, but they may also increase the risk of falls in the elderly. Therefore, it is important to discuss this issue with older patients and their caregivers.

The US Veterans Health Administration conducted a population study of 57,178 subjects age 75 and older. The participants were randomized to receive a statin or placebo. They had a 2.6-year follow-up. Compared with non-users, statin users had a greater likelihood of falling. Moreover, they had decreased leg strength. Several studies have suggested that statins might have an impact on muscle function in the elderly.

Another study in Australia compared cognitive decline in people who were on and off statins. Participants aged 70 to 90 were given a questionnaire that recorded their history of cardiovascular disease and prescribed statin medication. It also recorded their height, weight, and smoking history. After a year, they were reassessed and their cognition was evaluated.

A recent European Heart Journal study suggests that hospital readmission was a factor in the discontinuation of statin therapy. The authors say that this finding supports the concept that clinical decision making must be based on individual patient preferences and the overall goals of each cardiac patient. However, they caution against a definitive recommendation for continuing statin therapy.

Another study looked at the relationship between falls and statins in the elderly. Researchers in the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study examined the effects of statins on the risk of falls. For the study, the participants were randomized to receive a statin (atorvastatin) or a placebo. Personal Alarms The enrolled participants attended baseline clinics between March 2002 and September 2004. At follow-up clinics 2.6 years later, 179 (23%) were still taking a statin.