Circulation
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized trial of atorvastatin for reduction of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: results of the ARMYDA-3 (Atorvastatin for Reduction of MYocardial Dysrhythmia After cardiac surgery) study.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery is associated with increased risk of complications, length of stay, and cost of care. Observational evidence suggests that patients who have undergone previous statin therapy have a lower incidence of postoperative AF. We tested this observation in a randomized, controlled trial. ⋯ Treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg/d, initiated 7 days before surgery, significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative AF after elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and shortens hospital stay. These results may influence practice patterns with regard to adjuvant pharmacological therapy before cardiac surgery.