Lipid-altering therapy and atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia with significant morbidity and public health cost. Because of limitations of efficacy and safety of conventional antiarrhythmic agents, alternative therapies for AF are needed. The potential antiarrhythmic properties of lipid-altering therapy, including the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors and fish oils, are increasingly recognized, particularly in light of their potential anti-inflammatory properties. This review examines the known effects of lipid-altering therapy on atrial arrhythmias in both experimental and clinical settings. Inflammatory states, such as post-cardiac surgery and AF of recent onset, show promise as targets. In contrast, lipid-lowering therapy is less likely to affect longstanding persistent AF. Current recommendations for the use of lipid-altering therapy for prevention and treatment of AF are summarized.
Bachmann
Justin M
JM
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Majmudar
Maulik
M
Tompkins
Christine
C
Blumenthal
Roger S
RS
Marine
Joseph E
JE
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D005395:Fish Oils; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D019821:Simvastatin; D017035:Pravastatin