Statins and n-3 fatty acid supplementation in heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure is common, and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality in most regions of the world. 1 Hunt SA Abraham WT Chin MH et al. ACC/AHA 2005 guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005; 46: e1-e82 Summary Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1273) Google Scholar Medical and device therapies have been successfully developed to improve outcomes in patients with systolic heart failure. Beneficial treatments include inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous system, use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronisation therapy in selected patients (table). 1 Hunt SA Abraham WT Chin MH et al. ACC/AHA 2005 guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005; 46: e1-e82 Summary Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1273) Google Scholar However, not all patients with systolic heart failure qualify for or tolerate these therapies and, even with the best treatment, heart failure remains a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and health-care expenditure. No drug or device has been definitively shown to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function. 1 Hunt SA Abraham WT Chin MH et al. ACC/AHA 2005 guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005; 46: e1-e82 Summary Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1273) Google Scholar New therapies and management strategies need to be identified. Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialA simple and safe treatment with n-3 PUFA can provide a small beneficial advantage in terms of mortality and admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons in patients with heart failure in a context of usual care. Full-Text PDF Effect of rosuvastatin in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialRosuvastatin 10 mg daily did not affect clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure of any cause, in whom the drug was safe. Full-Text PDF