Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR
07:24

Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR

Published on: April 8, 2013

Reduction in the intensity rate of appropriate shocks for ventricular arrhythmias with statin therapy

Abhimanyu Beri1, Tahmeed Contractor, Joseph C Gardiner

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|May 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Statins may reduce implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This study found statin use was associated with fewer ICD shocks and longer shock-free periods.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Higher rates of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks correlate with increased mortality and morbidity.
  • Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is a common indication for ICD implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of statin therapy on the rate of appropriate ICD shocks in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients with ejection fraction <= 35% who received ICDs.
  • Comparison of appropriate ICD shock intensity rates between statin treatment and control groups using a zero-inflated negative binomial model.
  • Assessment of shock-free follow-up using stepwise logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Statin use was associated with a significantly lower adjusted mean intensity rate of appropriate ICD shocks (IRR = 0.22; P < 0.001).
  • Patients on statin therapy had a higher probability of shock-free follow-up (OR = 1.64; P = 0.019).

Conclusions:

  • Statin therapy appears to reduce the rate of appropriate ICD shocks for ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation.
  • Statin use increases the likelihood of a shock-free follow-up in patients with cardiomyopathy.
  • Further randomized trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers01:22

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers

Class I antiarrhythmic drugs are used to treat various types of arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms. These drugs block the sodium (Na+) channels in the cardiac cells, thereby affecting the movement of electrical impulses across the heart. Class I antiarrhythmic drugs are divided into three subgroups: Class IA, Class IB, and Class IC, each with distinct mechanisms of action and effects on the heart.
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers01:20

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine01:25

Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine

Angina pectoris, a primary symptom of ischemic heart disease, requires careful pharmacological interventions. In this context, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and ranolazine have emerged as crucial pharmacotherapeutic agents, providing deep insights into the complexities of angina management.
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as &#946;-Adrenergic Blockers01:24

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers

Adrenergic stimulation generally impacts cardiac rate and rhythm. Specifically, stimulation of the β-adrenoceptors triggers an increase in intracellular calcium ion influx and pacemaker currents, which may cause arrhythmias. Catecholamines like adrenaline also demonstrate β2-adrenoceptor-mediated hypokalemia, impacting cardiac action potential and disrupting the normal cardiac rhythm. Class II antiarrhythmic drugs are β-adrenoceptor antagonists or β-blockers, which indirectly block calcium...