Lipid-lowering drug use is associated with reduced prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Lipid-lowering drugs, particularly statins and fibrates, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of lipid-lowering drug use on AF prevalence in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: Data were obtained from ADVANCENTSM, a multicenter registry of patients with reduced LVEF (≤40%). Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic parameters were collected from interviews and medical records. Medications, including lipid-lowering drugs, were recorded. Results: Of the 25,268 patients, 71.3% had hyperlipidemia, and 66.8% were prescribed lipid-lowering drugs. AF prevalence was 25.1% in patients taking lipid-lowering drugs compared with 32.6% in untreated hyperlipidemic patients and 32.8% in patients without hyperlipidemia (P