Statin and risk of falls in the elderly: A sytematic review of the literature

Background With the high incidence of cardiovascular events in the elderly population the effectiveness of statins in reducing mortality from coronary events has been demonstrated. However, there have been adverse effects, such as myalgia, myopathy, myonecrosis, not to mention the falls as a result of muscle damage with statin use. Objective The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review to assess the literature on the association between statin use and the risk of falls. Methods The databases that were included PUBMED AND SCOPUS, with articles published from January 2000 to May 2016. The MESH terms used for the search were “FALLS” AND “STATIN”. Selected studies included cohort populations from the community (> 50 years old), and analysed using the Scottish Intercollegiate (SIGN) methodology guidelines, as no randomised controlled study was found. Results In the study by Ham et al., statin use was shown to be a protective factor for presence of falls. In the second study by Scott et al., there was an increased risk of falls (P =.029) and an impairment in muscle strength and quality muscle (P =.033 and P =.046, respectively). In the third study Haerer et al., found an increased risk of falls (P =.63). Conclusions The association between use of statins and risk of falls could not be determined with the available evidence, although an association with the involvement of some determinants of muscular function was found.