The role of statins in chronic heart failure

Curr Opin Cardiol. 2009 Mar;24(2):167-71. doi: 10.1097/HCO.0b013e3283229afb.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To discuss unresolved issues and recent findings regarding the use of statins in heart failure.

Recent findings: Recent data from Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico--Heart Failure and Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure suggest that statins did not have any effect on outcome despite significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein and high sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Summary: Most of the evidence for the use of statins in heart failure originates from retrospective trials and post-hoc analyses, and is not supported by prospective randomized clinical trials. There is no evidence to support initiating statin therapy in patients with symptomatic New York Heart Association II-IV heart failure, regardless of the cause.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors