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The effect of atorvastatin on P wave dispersion in hyperlipidemic patients

Burak Ayça1, Fatih Akın, Irfan Şahin

  • 11Cardiology Clinic, Bağcılar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, 2 Department of Cardiology, Muğla University, Muğla, 3Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul; Turkey.

Medicinski Glasnik : Official Publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
|July 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin significantly reduced P wave dispersion (PWD) in hyperlipidemic patients. This finding suggests atorvastatin may help prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) by improving electrical stability in the atria.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • P wave dispersion (PWD) is a noninvasive predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) development.
  • Atorvastatin, a statin, lowers cholesterol but its effect on atrial arrhythmias is debated.
  • Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including AF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of atorvastatin on PWD in patients with hyperlipidemia.
  • To determine if atorvastatin treatment influences atrial electrical properties relevant to AF development.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-nine hyperlipidemic patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled.
  • Hyperlipidemic patients received atorvastatin (20-40 mg/day) and a hypolipidemic diet for 6 months.
  • Twelve-lead surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) were used to measure PWD before and after treatment.

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin treatment led to a statistically significant decrease in PWD after 6 months.
  • Both P maximum and P minimum values showed significant reductions post-treatment (p<0.001, p=0.012, p=0.007).

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin significantly lowers PWD in hyperlipidemic individuals.
  • This reduction in PWD may contribute to the prevention of atrial fibrillation in this patient group.
Abstract

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