Influence of chronic statin use on the hydration status of older people

Introduction: Elderly people on chronic drug treatment are one of the population groups with the highest risk of developing alterations in hydration status. One of the drugs most consumed by this population group and that can trigger the onset of dehydration are statins. However, up to date, these interactions have not been studied in depth. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of chronic statin consumption on hydration status in elderly people attending the community pharmacy. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in volunteers aged between 60 and 79 years living in Madrid, chronic statin users (cases) and patients of the same age range, non-users of statin drugs. chronic form (controls). Results: Analysis of general population data revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as a high percentage of body fat. On the other hand, the urinalysis showed a better hydration status of women compared to men. Regarding the effect of statins on hydration status, it was observed that the different parameters analyzed in patients on chronic statin treatment were indicative of dehydration, compared to the adequate hydration status of patients without treatment. These results were confirmed by analyzing the prevalence of dehydration in the different groups. Conclusions: The importance of monitoring the chronic consumption of drugs, such as statins, in the elderly, to avoid the development of pathologies, including the appearance of dehydration and its associated complications, is concluded from the present study. Community pharmacists as expert professionals in the medication are the most suitable professionals to carry out this follow-up.