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Long-term effect of atorvastatin on neurohumoral activation and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart

Takahisa Yamada1, Koichi Node, Takanao Mine

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Osaka General Medical Center, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, Japan. takaymda@nike.eonet.ne.jp

American Heart Journal
|June 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Long-term atorvastatin therapy significantly reduced neurohumoral activation and improved cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). This study highlights statins

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Statins possess pleiotropic effects, including improved endothelial function and anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidative properties, potentially benefiting chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.
  • The study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of statins on neurohumoral activation and cardiac function in individuals with CHF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of atorvastatin on neurohumoral activation and cardiac function in patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure (CHF).

Main Methods:

  • 38 outpatients with mild to moderate CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% were randomized to atorvastatin (10 mg/d) or conventional therapy.
  • Follow-up lasted at least 3 years, with measurements of brain natriuretic peptides (BNPs), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and LVEF repeated every 6 months.

Main Results:

  • After 31 months, the atorvastatin group showed a significant decrease in BNP levels (P = .02) and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (P = .02), with a significant increase in LVEF (P = .01).
  • No significant changes in these parameters were observed in the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term atorvastatin therapy effectively reduces neurohumoral activation and enhances cardiac function in patients suffering from mild to moderate CHF.
  • These findings suggest a beneficial role for statins in managing chronic heart failure.
Abstract

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