Data from different observational trials have shown that treatment with statins significantly reduces the incidence of new-onset AF in the primary and secondary prevention .
The data are insufficient to recommend the use of statins before EC .
Finally , perioperative statin therapy may represent an important non-antiarrhythmic adjunctive therapeutic strategy for the prevention of postoperative AF
The aim of the present systematic review is to present an overview of the evidence linking atrial fibrillation ( AF ) , inflammation and oxidative stress , with emphasis on the potential of statins to decrease the incidence of different types of AF , including new-onset AF , after electrical cardioversion ( EC ) and after cardiac surgery .
Observational and clinical trials have studied the impact of statin therapy on new-onset , post-EC or postoperative AF .
C-reactive protein and atrial fibrillation: "evidence for the presence of inflammation in the perpetuation of the arrhythmia".
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation ( AF ) is associated to a high risk of systemic embolism . The mechanisms that contribute to thrombogenesis in these patients are still poorly understood . Systemic and /or local inflammation could be involved in the process of thrombogenesis and contribute to the perpetuation of the arrhythmia . The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of inflammation and its relation to thrombogenesis and cardiac rhythm in AF . METHODS We prospect ively studied 130 patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular AF in absence of antithrombotic therapy . Determinations of C-reactive protein ( CRP ) and thrombin-antithrombin complex ( TAT ) plasma levels , along with a transesophageal echocardiogram  were performed in all the patients at admission . RESULTS Mean age of the group was 67+/-14 years .  CRP levels were significantly elevated in AF patients versus controls ( matched by age , gender and cardiovascular risk factors ) ( 1.0+/-1.8 versus 0.3+/-0.4 mg/dl , respectively , p<0.01 ) . Baseline TAT levels were also significantly elevated in AF patients but no correlation was found between CRP and TAT . At 1-year of follow-up , mean CRP levels were still elevated in patients that remained in AF compared to those who converted to sinus rhythm ( 1.2+/-1.8 compared to 0.5+/-1.5 mg/dl , p=0.03 ) . CRP was the only biochemical predictor of sinus rhythm maintenance at 1-year follow-up independently of clinical ( including adjustment for risk factors and antiarrhythmic drugs ) , biochemical and echo parameters . CONCLUSIONS There is evidence for the presence of inflammation in patients with non-valvular AF , which is not related to activation of the coagulation cascade . The persistence of inflammation is associated with chronic AF at 1-year follow up
Data from different observational trials have shown that treatment with statins significantly reduces the incidence of new-onset AF in the primary and secondary prevention .
The data are insufficient to recommend the use of statins before EC .
Finally , perioperative statin therapy may represent an important non-antiarrhythmic adjunctive therapeutic strategy for the prevention of postoperative AF
The aim of the present systematic review is to present an overview of the evidence linking atrial fibrillation ( AF ) , inflammation and oxidative stress , with emphasis on the potential of statins to decrease the incidence of different types of AF , including new-onset AF , after electrical cardioversion ( EC ) and after cardiac surgery .
Observational and clinical trials have studied the impact of statin therapy on new-onset , post-EC or postoperative AF .