Statins as Anti‐Arrhythmics: A Systematic Review Part II: Effects on Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias

Abstract

BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated that statins may possess anti‐arrhythmic properties in addition to their lipid‐lowering effects.MethodsStudies which reported the association of statins with the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias were identified through a systematic review of the published literature.ResultsStatins have been associated with a significant reductions in ventricular arrhythmia in cardiomyopathy patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, although randomized trials have not been completed.ConclusionsPublished data suggests that statins may possess anti‐arrhythmic properties that reduce the propensity for ventricular arrhythmias. Most of this data is observational; more randomized, placebo‐controlled trials are needed. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Late Ventricular Potentials in Cardiac and Extracardiac Diseases

“…Clinical trials of lipid lowering in the primary prevention of coronary artery disease have not evaluated SCD risk, and have not sufficient statistical power to identify a significant reduction (Priori et al, 2001). Statins seem to have antiarrhythmic properties in addition to their lipid-lowering effects (Chu et al 2007;Abuissa et al, 2009). Isolated metabolic syndrome is associated with an increase in left ventricular mass index and diastolic dysfunction, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (Aijaz et al, 2008).…”

“…Lipid-lowering interventions reduce coronary events, VT/VF episodes, SCD and all-cause mortality (Liu et al, 2009). Recent studies have demonstrated that statins have antiarrhythmic properties in addition to their lipid-lowering effects (Abuissa et al, 2009;Chu et al 2007;Liu et al, 2009). Kayikcioglu et al found a significant decrease of the prevalence of LVPs and ventricular arrhythmias in acute MI patients receiving pravastatin, irrespective of lipid level (Kayikcioglu et al, 2003).…”

Effect of rosuvastatin on atrial structural remodeling in rabbits with myocardial infarction

“…In addition to their role in controlling lipid levels, the pleiotropic effects of statins, including the anti-arrhythmia effects and prevention of cardiac remodeling, have attracted significant attention (1,2). A large number of studies have focused on left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) and the treatment effect of statins (3)(4)(5)(6).…”

Inhibition of Triggered Activities in Pulmonary Veins

“…Although there is clinical evidence that use of statins is also associated with less risk of ventricular arrhythmias (16), direct antiarrhythmic effect of statins in the ventricles has not been reported. Direct inhibition of EADS and DADs by statins in the pulmonary veins indicates that statins may potentially exert a similar protective effect in the ventricles, and a role of statins through their antiarrhythmic effects in reduction of all-cause mortality cannot be ruled out.…”