In patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure is an important cause of morbidity and mortality.

In a meta-analysis of four trials including the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Trial–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22 (PROVE IT–TIMI 22) trial, intensive statin therapy was associated with a 27% reduction in the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (1). What is the relationship between biomarkers such as B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP), statin therapy and the development of heart failure after ACS?

In the PROVE IT-TIMI 22 trial patients were randomized to receive intensive or moderate statin therapy soon after an acute coronary syndrome, and the mean follow-up was 2 years. Dr. Scirica presents data from the trial showing how 30-day BNP and high-sensitivity CRP levels relate to the risk of developing heart failure after ACS, and how some patients might derive greater benefit from intensive statin therapy.

Copyright © 2007 E-MedHosting.com Inc.

After viewing this presentation the participant will be able to discuss:

- Recent evidence suggesting that intensive statin therapy may reduce heart failure compared to moderate statin therapy
- Risk of heart failure after ACS according to 30-day BNP and hsCRP levels and treatment strategy in the PROVE IT-TIMI 22 trial

1. Benjamin M. Scirica, MD, MPH, David A. Morrow, MD, MPH, Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Kausik K. Ray, MD, Marc S. Sabatine, MD, MPH, Petr Jarolim, MD, PhD, Amy Shui, BS, Carolyn H. McCabe, BS, Eugene Braunwald, MD for the PROVE IT–TIMI 22 InvestigatorsIntensive Statin Therapy and the Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure After an Acute Coronary Syndrome in the PROVE IT–TIMI 22 Study J Am Coll Cardiol, 2006; 47:2326-2331.