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CHADS2 score predicted efficacy of statins for preventing AF in elderly hypertensive patients
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BOSTON — Statin therapy appears to be most effective in the prevention of new-onset atrial fibrillation in elderly hypertensive patients with CHADS2 scores of at least 2, new data suggest.
Researchers identified 27,002 patients aged at least 65 years with hypertension through the National Health Research Database released by the Taiwan National Health Research Institutes. About 9% of patients were receiving statin therapy. During 9 years of follow-up, 2,241 patients experienced AF. Statin users were slightly younger (72.4 years vs. 73.4 years) and had a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, stroke and chronic renal disease compared with nonusers.
Statin therapy was associated with a 19% decrease in risk for AF (HR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95). Subgroup analysis revealed that all patients, with or without a specific comorbidity, benefited from statin therapy. In particular, researchers noted significant benefit in patients with CHADS2 scores of 2 or higher (HR=0.69; 95% CI, 0.57-0.85). Statins therapy, however, was not effective in hypertensive patients without other comorbidities.
“Statin therapy in elderly patients with hypertension reduces the risk of new-onset AF,” researchers wrote in an abstract presented at the Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions. “Patients with CHADS2 ≥2 get more benefits from statin use than those with [a] score [of] 1.”
For more information:
- Hung CY. PO1-101. Presented at: the Heart Rhythm Society’s 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions; May 9-12, 2012; Boston.
Dislosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.