Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 I'm not aware of atorvastatin (Lipitor) being used to treat AF. I tried it once and experienced muscle pain and had to discontinue it. - > > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 > > > > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > > > I recall some recent news on this and I saw some report on Hans Larsens site (Afibbers .com ) earlier on this subject .It is the muscle risk thing from Statins that scares the hell out of me ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 someone posted a study article very recently that a group of fibbers were divided into two and of the group that received statins, something like 40% had no more afib... that's quite an impressive number, for sure... side effects are still an issue with them, though.. Stef jerry3000z jerry3000z@...> wrote: Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com List owner: AFIBsupport-owner For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email, send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 > > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > Jerry: I think I may be the one that posted an earlier comment that atorvastatin (Lipitor) may be helpful in preventing AF. See: http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/26/20/2083> which was published in June 2005 in the European Heart Journal. The abstract of the paper says: " The prevalence and persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the relative inefficacy of the currently available pharmacotherapy requires development of new treatment strategies. Recent findings have suggested a mechanistic link between inflammatory processes and the development of AF. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between C-reactive protein and both the presence of AF and the risk of developing future AF. In case–control studies, C- reactive protein is significantly elevated in AF patients and is associated with successful cardioversion. Moreover, C-reactive protein elevation is more pronounced in patients with persistent AF than in those with paroxysmal AF. Furthermore, treatment with glucocorticoids, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers seems to reduce recurrence of AF. Part of this anti-arrhythmic effect may be through anti- inflammatory activity. This article reviews what is known about inflammation in genesis and perpetuation of AF, the putative underlying mechanisms, and possible therapeutic implications for the inhibition of inflammation as an evolving treatment modality for AF. " Incidentally, I discussed this with my EP about two weeks ago, and the thinks both Liptor (by reducing inflamation) and my blood pressure medicine Diovan also helps to surpress AF (by reducing blood pressure). I am not overly concerned by the " muscle weakness " issue related to statins cited by several. My understanding is that this may occur in less than 5% of the patients (who then are switched to another method to control cholesterol) --- but for the remaining 95% their appears to be a direct dose-related cardiovascular incident reduction. , Charlotte NC In NSR for 10 months+, on flecainide 150mg x2, magnesium oxide 250mg, fish oil concentrate 1000mg x2, Lipitor 20mg, Diovan 160mg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 In a message dated 1/17/2006 5:27:36 PM Eastern Standard Time, mark@... writes: rather than just going for a surgical solution that just leaves the original problem. To me an ablation's a bit like treating a swollen thumb by cutting the nerves so you don't feel it any more. Having said that I'll be queueing for an Mark, A successful ablation does solve the problem and not cover it up. The problem is not the origination of the electrical impulse, but the direction it takes or in an AF state, no direction. It's a tornado whirling around in your atrium. The successful ablation provides that impulse with the road to take and stops it from whirling about. A mini maze or full maze accomplishes the same thing. The problem is solved. I have had a successful ablation (2002)and my thumb is not swollen. Rich O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Jerry, I'm taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) for high cholesterol. I was having a lot of afib when I started it, but it didn't seem to make any difference on that score. At the time, I needed to come off Tikosyn which I had been taking for over a year, but which had ceased to work for me. I was in afib for 10-12 hours on a daily basis. Now I am taking Tambocor and haven't had a single episode since my very first dose. I also take Toprol XL but may be coming off that soon since my bp is consistently very low (90/50). Won't know until I see my gp tomorrow, when I will also be tested after 12 weeks on Lipitor. Sandy, NC jerry3000z wrote: > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Stef I posted an article last week on Atorvastatin. The result of a study using it was: " Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was completely resolved in 26 (65%) of 40 patients in the treatment group versus 4 (10%) of 40 in the placebo group. " That's a better success rate than ablations. I'm seeing my cardio next week (he cancelled my appointment for this Thursday as he had a lecture!) and will ask him if I can go on Atorvastatin. He may say no way, but I hope not. I've got low cholestrol anyway so I hope that's not an issue. It does seem as if AFib is linked to inflammation in many cases. I can't help feeling that we need to get to the root cause of AF - i.e. fixing the inflammation - rather than just going for a surgical solution that just leaves the original problem. To me an ablation's a bit like treating a swollen thumb by cutting the nerves so you don't feel it any more. Having said that I'll be queueing for an ablation in 5 years time if the success rate goes up and it's not fixed by drugs by then! Mark > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 > > Stef > > I posted an article last week on Atorvastatin. The result of a study > using it was: > " Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was completely > resolved in 26 (65%) of 40 patients in the treatment group versus 4 > (10%) of 40 in the placebo group. " > Do you have a link to the study that you can post? I'd really like to see it. If your cholesterol is already low, your doc may not want you to take Lipitor, which aggressively lowers it. Too low can be bad too. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 Mark I was taught that electricity always takes the path of least resistance. Could it be that inflammation somehow alters the resistance overall to a value below the pathways allowing the electrical impulses free rein - and the impluses somehow exacerbate or provoke the inflammation, as we feel that AF begets AF? (I'm just an engineer - so what do I know?) I also take Atorvastatin calcium 20mg as part of my coctail of pills, sadly this far, without success as I've been in Permanent AF for about 3 years. I understood it was for cholesterol, but as my cholestrol is not so high, and my arteries are ok, perhaps the cardiologist knows this as a side effect. (My underlying cause is dilated cardiomyopathy) Reading the Patient Information Leaflet it only refers to reduction of Cholestrol and triglycerides in the blood by lipid regulation and it does highlight possible problems with underactive thyroid, muscular problems or a history of heavy alcohol consumption or liver problems. The leaflet also states that some medicines may interact and mentions (amongst others) diazepam; medicines to regulate your heart rhythm; Digoxin warferin oral contraceptives and anti-convulsant for epilepsy As usual, you'll need to rely on medical advice. > > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 The full article is at: http://www.ahjonline.com/article/PIIS0002870305006472/fulltext If my cholestrol is too low then I'd better get stuck into those cream buns... Mark > > > > Stef > > > > I posted an article last week on Atorvastatin. The result of a study > > using it was: > > " Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was completely > > resolved in 26 (65%) of 40 patients in the treatment group versus 4 > > (10%) of 40 in the placebo group. " > > > > > Do you have a link to the study that you can post? I'd really like to > see it. > > If your cholesterol is already low, your doc may not want you to take > Lipitor, which aggressively lowers it. Too low can be bad too. > > - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 You could be right about the lowering of resistance, or it could be that the inflammation sensitises the nerve endings. If you have a sore thumb (going back to my original corollary) then it's very sensitive to the touch - maybe something similar happens with afib. Atovastatin is supposed to have very few side effects overall. It does interact with Amiodarone (like most things). There are rumours that statins are going to be sold over the counter (i.e. no prescription needed). Given that it is only supposed to be used for lowering Cholestrol and triglycerides, I am not that hopeful that my cardio's going to agree to my trying it out. Mark > > > Anyone tried atorvastatin for AF? > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 Mark A bit like throwing a bucket of sea water over the boat's electrics. > > > You could be right about the lowering of resistance, or it could be > that the inflammation sensitises the nerve endings. If you have a > sore thumb (going back to my original corollary) then it's very > sensitive to the touch - maybe something similar happens with afib. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2006 Report Share Posted January 18, 2006 : Basic electrical theory tells us what you are saying below to be correct, but nerve impulses, in the heart or elsewhere, should not be confused with standard copper wire conduction of electrons from point A to point B. The nervous system is fundamentally an 'electrochemical' pathway system. The cells communicate (conduct) with each other along a pathway of neurons and through a 'conductive' fluid which we normally call an electrolyte...one neuron doesn't touch another neuron directly. Instead each neuron in a row 'excites' the next one in line...and so on. So the direct analogy of " taking the path of least resistance " really doesn't apply...in my opinion. One interesting note on this whole subject: Lipids tend to act as 'insulators' or dielectrics around neurons and perhaps the statin theory being mentioned frequently here could be very valid in some strange way. Having taught basic electricity and electronics to adults for a number of years sparked my interest in your remarks. Sorry if I sounded like a school teacher correcting your exams. S. > > Mark > I was taught that electricity always takes the path of least > resistance. Could it be that inflammation somehow alters the > resistance overall to a value below the pathways allowing the > electrical impulses free rein - and the impluses somehow exacerbate or > provoke the inflammation, as we feel that AF begets AF? (I'm just an > engineer - so what do I know?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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