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 .
Atrial fibrillation after DDDR pacemaker implantation.
INTRODUCTION Newer implantable pulse generators have data storage capabilities that permit detection of multiple episodes of atrial fibrillation ( AF ) . This study evaluated the clinical predictors and time course of AF development in a general pacemaker population . METHODS AND RESULTS Patients ( n = 231 ) received DDDR pacemakers with features that permit detection and storage of information about the date , time of onset , and duration of multiple , sequential episodes of AF . Patients were followed for 718+/-383 days . Time to first occurrence of AF , interval between first and second episode of AF , and total AF burden were determined at each follow-up visit . AF occurred more often in patients ( 68 % ) with sinus node disease than in patients with AV block ( 37 % ; P < 0.001 ) . Time to first occurrence of AF was 21.2 days ( 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] 14.7 to 30.6 days ) after pacemaker implantation . AF burden initially decreased significantly in patients ( 0.8 hours/day , 95 % CI 0.7 to 0.9 at 8 weeks after implant vs 0.6 hours/day , 95 % CI 0.4 to 0.8 at 12 months after implant ; P = 0.005 ) but then increased significantly during long-term follow-up ( 2.0 hours/day , 95 % CI 1.0 to 3.7 at 48 months after implant ; P = 0.008 ) . The long-term increase in AF burden was seen predominantly in patients with sinus node disease . A prior history of AF and the duration of follow-up were independent predictors of AF occurrence . CONCLUSION AF develops frequently after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation . AF burden increases progressively over the long term
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 .