Upstream Statin Therapy and Long-Term Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Cardioversion: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

The relationship of statin therapy with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardioversion (CV) has been evaluated by several investigations, which provided conflicting results and particularly long-term data is scarce. We sought to examine whether upstream statin therapy is associated with long-term recurrence of AF after CV. This was a single-center registry study including consecutive AF patients (n = 454) undergoing CV. Cox regression models were performed to estimate AF recurrence comparing patients with and without statins. In addition, we performed a propensity score matched analysis with a 1:1 ratio. Statins were prescribed to 183 (40.3%) patients. After a median follow-up period of 373 (207–805) days, recurrence of AF was present in 150 (33.0%) patients. Patients receiving statins had a significantly lower rate of AF recurrence (log-rank p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, statin therapy was associated with a significantly reduced rate of AF recurrence (HR 0.333 (95% CI 0.225–0.493), p = 0.001), which remained significant after adjustment (HR 0.238 (95% CI 0.151–0.375), p < 0.001). After propensity score matching treatment with statins resulted in an absolute risk reduction of 27.5% for recurrent AF (21 (18.1%) vs. 53 (45.7%); p < 0.001). Statin therapy was associated with a reduced risk of long-term AF recurrence after successful cardioversion.