SUMMARY The use of statins was significantly associated with a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with sinus rhythm .
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Whether statins may prevent  atrial fibrillation  remains a subject of debate .
Simvastatin Lowers C-Reactive Protein Within 14 Days: An Effect Independent of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction
Background —The early response of C-reactive protein to initiation of a hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor ( statin ) is not known . The purpose of this study was to determine the rate at which highly sensitive C-reactive protein ( hsCRP ) levels change after initiation of simvastatin and whether this occurs independently of the change in LDL cholesterol . Methods and Results —The study was a crossover , double-blind design including 40 subjects with elevated LDL cholesterol . Subjects were r and omly assigned to 1 of 2 groups : simvastatin 40 mg for 14 days , then placebo for 14 days , or placebo first , then simvastatin . Simvastatin decreased LDL cholesterol by 56±4 mg/dL ( P < 0.0001 ) at day 7 and by an additional 8±3 mg/dL ( P = 0.02 ) at day 14 . Baseline log(hsCRP ) levels were similar in the 2 groups . By day 14 , log(hsCRP ) was significantly lower in patients on simvastatin when compared with placebo ( P = 0.011 ) . Although there was no significant difference in fibrinogen levels , simvastatin produced a modest increase in log[lipoprotein(a ) ] ( P = 0.03 ) at days 7 and 14 . There were no relationships between the decrease in LDL cholesterol and the decrease in hsCRP . Conclusions —Simvastatin  lowers hsCRP by 14 days , independent of its effect on LDL cholesterol . This rapid impact of a statin on hsCRP has potential implication s in the management of acute coronary syndromes
SUMMARY The use of statins was significantly associated with a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with sinus rhythm .
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Whether statins may prevent  atrial fibrillation  remains a subject of debate .