Statins as antiarrhythmics: a systematic review part I: effects on risk of atrial fibrillation

Recent studies have demonstrated that statins may possess antiarrhythmic properties in addition to their lipid-lowering effects.

Studies which reported the association of statins with the incidence of atrial arrhythmias were identified through a systematic review of published literature.

One randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 200 patients undergoing cardiac surgery showed that atorvastatin decreased the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation by 61%. Observational studies in patients with stable coronary disease, left ventricular dysfunction, or those undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgery show that statin therapy is associated with an approximately 50% lower rate of atrial fibrillation. Two small randomized trials reported conflicting results: one showing that atorvastatin reduced the recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion and the other finding that pravastatin did not.

Published data suggests that statins may possess antiarrhythmic properties that reduce the propensity for atrial fibrillation. Most of this data is observational; more randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed.