The association between statin dosage and malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients with primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators for ischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Background: Malignant ventricular arrhythmias are a common cause of death in ischemic heart diseases. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) demonstrate significant efficacy in reducing mortality linked to ventricular arrhythmias. Statins exhibit the potential to stabilize the atherosclerotic and ischemic burden, thereby potentially manifesting indirect anti-arrhythmic effects. This study evaluated the relationship between statin levels and arrhythmic events in patients with primary prevention ICDs for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective observational study at a single center, involving consecutive patients who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic and underwent primary prevention ICD. The study population was stratified into two groups based on statin usage. Results: This study included a cohort of 80 patients diagnosed with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent primary prevention implantation of ICDs. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients who were prescribed low-dose statins, whereas Group 2 consisted of 56 patients who were prescribed high-dose statins. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that left ventricular ejection fraction and use of low-dose statins were independent predictors of arrhythmic events. Conclusion: The study cohort exhibited comparable clinical and laboratory characteristics, suggesting that statin dosage is associated with malignant arrhythmic events in a homogeneous patient population.

Keywords

• implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
• ischemic cardiomyopathy
• ventricular arrhythmias