Does preoperative statin therapy prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery?

In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that preoperative statin therapy in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery is associated with the following: (1) a lower incidence and risk of developing postoperative AF, (2) reduced stroke, (3) a shorter hospital stay and (4) reduced levels of inflammatory markers postoperatively. However, while the evidence supports the use of statins preoperatively, the optimal duration, dose and type of statin cannot be concluded from this review.

Source: Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery - February 12, 2015 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Goh, S. L., Yap, K. H., Chua, K. C., Chao, V. T. T. Tags: Congestive Heart Failure, Electrophysiology - arrhythmias, Molecular biology Adult Cardiac Source Type: research