Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Comparison of rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation
Okay Abaci1, Cuneyt Kocas, Veysel Oktay
1Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Institute of Istanbul University, Istanbul 34096, Turkey. drokayabaci@hotmail.com
Insights
Preoperative rosuvastatin and atorvastatin did not significantly differ in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery. Both statins showed similar efficacy in reducing AF incidence in this patient cohort.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) increases stroke risk and healthcare costs after cardiac surgery.
- Statin therapy is linked to reduced postoperative AF incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of rosuvastatin versus atorvastatin in preventing postoperative AF.
- To evaluate statin's role in mitigating AF following cardiac procedures.
Main Methods:
- 168 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were divided into atorvastatin (n=96) and rosuvastatin (n=72) groups.
- Postoperative ECGs and telemetry monitored for AF during hospitalization.
Main Results:
- Postoperative AF incidence was 17.9% with atorvastatin and 22.2% with rosuvastatin (P=.48).
- No significant differences in left ventricular function or patient demographics were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative rosuvastatin and atorvastatin demonstrated comparable efficacy in preventing postoperative AF.
- Neither statin showed a superior preventive effect on AF in this study population.
Background:
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) following cardiac surgery is associated with an increased risk of stroke, prolonged hospitalization, and increased costs. Statin therapy is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative AF. We aimed to compare the preventive effects of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin on postoperative AF.
Methods:
This study included 168 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment of statin. Group 1 (n = 96) was patients receiving atorvastatin, and group 2 (n = 72) was patients receiving rosuvastatin. Postoperative electrocardiographs (ECGs) and telemetry strips were examined for AF within postoperative period during hospitalization.
Results:
The incidences of postoperative AF were 17.9% (n = 17) in group 1 and 22.2% (n = 16) in group 2 (P = .48). Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and ejection fraction (EF) were not different between groups. Incidence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, myocardial infarction in past medical history, family history of atherosclerosis, male sex, drug use, and perioperative features were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
The present study revealed that preoperative rosuvastatin or atorvastatin treatment did not have a different effect in preventing postoperative AF.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures