Previous use of Statins and Atrial Electrical Remodeling in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In the general population the leading cause of cardioembolic stroke is atrial fibrillation (AF). A silent AF is also the possible cause of many cryptogenic strokes. P wave dispersion (PWD), a predictor of AF, has been proposed as a marker of silent AF occurrence in these strokes. PWD correlates with high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels reflecting the role of inflammation in promoting a slowed and inhomogeneous atrial conduction. Statins have a multitude of additional effects beyond lipid lowering, in particular anti-inflammatory effects that may influence atrial conduction.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of previous statin use on PWD in patients with cryptogenic stroke, in order to highlight a possible role for statins in preventing atrial conduction alterations that predispose to AF.

METHOD:

We enrolled 131 patients (67 males, 64 females; mean age 69±13 years) with cryptogenic stroke. All patients underwent neuroimaging examination, arterial ultrasound examination, echocardiography and ECG. PWD was measured in all subjects.

RESULTS:

Patients previously treated with statins (n: 34) had lower PWD and P index values in comparison with no-statin group (41.7±12.2 vs 48.7±15.2 ms, p=0.01, and 14.2±3.7 vs 16.5±5.3 ms, p=0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results show lower PWD values in cryptogenic stroke patients previously treated with statins. These findings provide support to the hypothesis that statins may play a role in modulating atrial electrophysiological and structural properties, preventing the occurrence of a slowed and heterogeneous atrial conduction and finally, reducing the occurrence of AF.

• Authors: Maurizio Acampa, Pietro Enea Lazzerini, Francesca Guideri, Rossana Tassi, Andrea Lo Monaco, Giuseppe Martini
• Journal: Cardiovascular & hematological disorders drug targets (Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets) Vol. 17 Issue 3 Pg. 212-215 ( 2017) ISSN: 2212-4063 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 29332603 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at [email protected].

Chemical References

• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Atrial Fibrillation (complications, diagnostic imaging, prevention & control)
• Atrial Remodeling (drug effects)
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Heart Conduction System
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuroimaging
• Risk Factors
• Stroke (diagnostic imaging, prevention & control)