Statins Do Not Significantly Affect Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Humans with Non-Ischemic Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to reduce sympathetic nervous system activation in experimental, non-ischemic heart failure (HF). However, this potentially beneficial mechanism of action of statins in HF has not been well studied in humans with HF. Methods: Twenty six patients with non-ischemic, systolic HF (LVEF≤35%) were randomized to atorvastatin 10 mg a day vs. placebo for 3 months. Pre- and post- treatment testing included echocardiography, laboratories, QOL questionnaires, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) measured at the peroneal nerve by sympathetic microneurography.