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 .
The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin prevents atrial fibrillation by inhibiting inflammation in a canine sterile pericarditis model.
OBJECTIVE It has been recently reported that AF is associated with tissue inflammation . Statins reduce C-reactive protein ( CRP ) levels . However , the effect of statin on atrial fibrillation ( AF ) is unclear . The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of statin on AF in a canine sterile pericarditis model . METHODS Sterile pericarditis was created in 20 dogs r and omly assigned to two groups : a control group ( 10 dogs ) and an atorvastatin treatment group ( 10 dogs ) . Atorvastatin was administered orally ( 2 mg/kg/day ) beginning 1 week before the operation until the end of the study . Before and 2 days after the operation , CRP levels , the duration of induced AF , the atrial effective refractory period ( AERP ) , and intra-atrial conduction time were determined . RESULTS Before the operation , there were no significant differences in any of the parameters between the two groups . On the second postoperative day , the atorvastatin group had a lower CRP level ( 7.6+/-0.5 versus 11.7+/-1.3 mg/dl , P<0.0001 ) , a shorter AF duration ( 177+/-57 versus 534+/-189 s , P<0.0001 ) , a longer AERP ( 138+/-6 versus 130+/-6 ms , P<0.01 ) , and a shorter intra-atrial conduction time ( 46+/-3 versus 51+/-5 ms , P<0.01 ) than the control group . CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin can prevent maintenance of AF by inhibiting inflammation in the canine sterile pericarditis model . Atorvastatin may thus be a novel therapeutic agent for AF
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 .