Effect of Statins on Preventing Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation after Pacemaker Implantation

Objective： To observe the effect of statins on preventing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation （PAF） after pacemaker imlantation in patients with sick sinus syndrome. Materials and Methods： 68 patients were selected in which the pacemakers had been implanted due to sick sinus syndrome,and were randomly divided into a statin treatment group and a control group. After the pacemaker implantation, only the patients in treatment group were given 20 mg atorvastatin once per night,with other conditions basically similar to those in the control group. At the 3rd, 9th, 15th, and 21st months after the implantation, the pacemakers were programmed, and the PAF-related information stored in the pacemaker were recalled and analyzed statistically. Results： After the administration of statins for 9 months since the imlantation, the occurrence rates of PAF in the treatment group was relatively lower than those in the control group. After further administration of statins for 15 months, both the occurrence rate of PAF and the burden of atrial fibrillation in the treatment group had significantly declined. After continuous administration of statins for 21 months, both the occurrence rate of PAF and the burden of atrial fibrillation in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion： Long-term administration of statins can reduce the risk of PAF after the implantation of a pacemaker in patients with sick sinus syndrome.