Do Statins Slow Progression of Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis?

Findings from a retrospective study suggest that they do.

The pleiotropic anti-inflammatory properties of statins are believed to bring about the slowing in progression of calcific aortic stenosis seen in some previous studies (but not in all; see JW Cardiol Jul 15 2005). In this observational study, investigators examined the effect of statin therapy on the progression of rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS).

The study population consisted of 315 patients with rheumatic MS (mean age, 61 years; 71% women), of whom 35 (11%) were taking statins, and 280 (89%) were not. Baseline echocardiographic characteristics, including mitral valve area (MVA) and degree of mitral regurgitation, were similar in both groups. After a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, the annualized decrease in mean MVA was significantly smaller…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)