The effect of statin treatment on P-wave characteristics and atrial conduction time

Abstract

A b s t r a c t Background and aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of statin treatment on P-wave morphology, dispersion, and tissue Doppler imaging-derived atrial conduction time (PA-TDI), which are known to be predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods:A total of 132 patients with guideline-directed statin indications but no clinical atrial tachyarrhythmias were studied. P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion, and P-wave amplitude on surface 12-lead electrocardiogram and PA-TDI were evaluated before and after three months of statin (either atrovastatin 10-40 mg/d or rosuvastatin 10-20 mg/d) treatment.Results: Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced after statin therapy. P-wave dispersion significantly decreased from 39.6 ± 9.4 to 36.9 ± 9.6 ms. Statin treatment significantly decreased both the maximum (from 1.5 ± 0.36 to 1.45 ± 0.33 mV, p = 0.001) and the minimum (from 1.07 ± 0.28 to 1.04 ± 0.27 mV, p = 0.01) P-wave amplitude. The PA-TDI value was found to be significantly shorter after statin treatment (121.7 ± 18.7 vs. 118.7 ± 15.8 ms, p = 0.016) Conclusions: Short-term statin therapy was shown to significantly affect P-wave amplitude, P-wave dispersion, and atrial conduction time in a broad range of patients without any clinical atrial tachyarrhythmia.

Pre-Stroke Statin Therapy Improves In-Hospital Prognosis Following Acute Ischemic Stroke Associated with Well-Controlled Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

“…The mechanisms by which statins reduce mortality in AF-related stroke are related to their pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular and endocardial circulatory systems [ 47 , 48 ]. Statins have also been found to improve left ventricular function, reduce levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, increase nitric oxide bioavailability, increase antioxidant properties, and inhibit inflammatory response and plaque stabilization.…”

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal communication: impact on P-wave dispersion, duration, and arrhythmia in mid-term follow-up

“…Our results underline the dynamics of myocardial remodelling after ASD closure. Increased PWD (> 40 ms) was reported to have a significant influence on the risk of AF development, both idiopathic and associated with diseases influencing cardiovascular function [23][24][25]. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown that AF/atrial flutter in heart defects (including Figure 1.…”