Atorvastatin Therapy during the Peri-Infarct Period Attenuates Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction
2011

Atorvastatin Improves Heart Function After Heart Attack

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tang Xian-Liang, Sanganalmath Santosh K., Sato Hiroshi, Bi Qiuli, Hunt Greg, Vincent Robert J., Peng Yong, Shirk Gregg, Dawn Buddhadeb, Bolli Roberto

Primary Institution: University of Louisville

Hypothesis

Does atorvastatin therapy during the peri-infarct period improve subsequent myocardial structure and function?

Conclusion

Atorvastatin therapy during the peri-infarct period significantly improves left ventricular function and limits adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Supporting Evidence

  • Atorvastatin-treated rats showed higher left ventricular ejection fraction compared to vehicle-treated rats.
  • Atorvastatin reduced myocardial hydroxyproline content, indicating less fibrosis.
  • Apoptotic cardiomyocyte nuclei were fewer in atorvastatin-treated hearts.

Takeaway

Giving atorvastatin to rats after a heart attack helps their hearts work better and prevents damage to the heart structure.

Methodology

Rats were divided into two groups, one receiving atorvastatin and the other a vehicle, and various cardiac functions were measured before and after myocardial infarction.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of treatment groups and measurement of outcomes.

Limitations

The study was conducted on rats, which may not fully represent human responses.

Participant Demographics

Female Fischer 344 rats, aged 10-12 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025320

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