Abstract
Background
Statins have been suggested to improve cardiac function, but the evidence underlying beneficial effects of statins in heart failure (HF) is insufficient. We analyzed plasma N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels and cardiac function in patients with HF of various etiologies, and who were treated with or without statins.
Hypothesis
Statin treatment is associated with improved cardiac function in HF.
Methods
The study cohort consisted of 139 consecutive male patients receiving atorvastatin (n = 44), simvastatin (n = 29), pravastatin (n = 19), or no statin (n = 47). The NT‐proBNP levels were measured using electroluminescence immunoassay. Left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), fractional shortening (FS), and ejection fraction (EF) were determined by echocardiography.
Results
Patients receiving atorvastatin presented with reduced NT‐proBNP levels (1,552 ± 3,416 versus 3,771 ± 6,763 pg/mL; p < 0.01), and improved values of LVEDD (65.2 ± 8.9 versus 70.7 ± 10.9 mm; p < 0.05) and EF (33.2 ± 12.6 versus 28.2 ± 9.6%; p < 0.05). By contrast, plasma NT‐proBNP and cardiac parameters in patients treated with statins other than atorvastatin did not significantly differ from control. Atorvastatin treatment was equally effective in patients with ischemic and nonischemic HF.
Conclusions
Atorvastatin treatment is associated with improved cardiac function in HF, and may represent an additional option for patients with this disease. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: N‐terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, atorvastatin, heart failure
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