Statistical heterogeneity between included studies was not detected ( chi(2 ) = 1.68 , P = 0.43 , I(2 ) = 0 % ) , although significant clinical differences were found in terms of study design , patient population s , statins use and dosage and AF-monitoring capabilities .
Statins may represent a novel treatment strategy to prevent the occurrence of AF in patients with PM , especially for those who had a PM implanted due to sinus node dysfunction .
Patients with permanent pacemakers ( PM ) are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation ( AF ) .
Minimal ventricular pacing modalities have been demonstrated to reduce AF in such patients , although they are not suitable for patients with advanced atrioventricular conduction disease .
Recent evidence s suggest that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors ( i.e. statins ) may represent a new strategy to prevent AF in patients at risk .
In this article , we sought to review data regarding the effectiveness of statin therapy in preventing AF patients with a PM .
Usefulness of statin drugs in protecting against atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease.
Atrial  fibrillation ( AF ) is prevalent in the elderly , in patients with hypertension , and in patients with coronary artery disease ( CAD ) . We hypothesized that statin therapy might be effective in preventing AF in patients with CAD and examined this hypothesis in a sample of patients with chronic stable CAD without AF , followed prospect ively at a large outpatient cardiology practice . The association between statin use and the risk of developing AF was examined univariately and then with adjustment for potential confounding factors . Four hundred forty-nine men and women between the ages of 40 and 87 years were followed for an average of 5 years . Fifty-two patients ( 12 % ) developed AF during follow-up . Statin therapy was used by 59 % of the patients during the study period and was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing AF ( crude odds ratio , 0.48 , 95 % confidence interval 0.28 to 0.83 ) . This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders , including age , hypertension , left ventricular systolic function , occurrence of heart failure or acute ischemic events , and baseline cholesterol and changes in cholesterol levels ( adjusted odds ratio 0.37 , 95 % confidence interval 0.18 to 0.76 ) . Use of  statins in patients with chronic stable CAD appears to be protective against AF . The underlying mechanism for this effect is unknown but appears to be independent of the reduction in serum cholesterol levels
Statistical heterogeneity between included studies was not detected ( chi(2 ) = 1.68 , P = 0.43 , I(2 ) = 0 % ) , although significant clinical differences were found in terms of study design , patient population s , statins use and dosage and AF-monitoring capabilities .
Statins may represent a novel treatment strategy to prevent the occurrence of AF in patients with PM , especially for those who had a PM implanted due to sinus node dysfunction .
Patients with permanent pacemakers ( PM ) are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation ( AF ) .
Minimal ventricular pacing modalities have been demonstrated to reduce AF in such patients , although they are not suitable for patients with advanced atrioventricular conduction disease .
Recent evidence s suggest that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors ( i.e. statins ) may represent a new strategy to prevent AF in patients at risk .
In this article , we sought to review data regarding the effectiveness of statin therapy in preventing AF patients with a PM .