The effect of statins on valve function and calcification in aortic stenosis: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Aortic calcification has been shown to share the same risk factors as atherosclerosis which suggested a potential benefit from statins therapy. In view of the existing conflicting results, we aimed to provide objective evidence on the effect of statins in aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results: A meta-analysis of eligible studies that used statins in AS was performed. Fourteen studies were identified, 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 9 observational studies. In the 14 studies as a whole, no significant differences were found in all cause mortality (OR = 0.98, p = 0.91), cardiovascular mortality (OR = 0.80, P = 0.23) or the need for valve replacement (OR = 0.93, p = 0.45) between the statins and the control groups. LDL-cholesterol dropped in the statins groups in both <24 months and ≥ 24 months follow-up (p < 0.001 for both) but not in controls (p = 0.35 and p = 0.33, respectively). In the <24 months statins group, the annual increase in peak aortic velocity and peak gradient was less (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.004, respectively), but the mean gradient, valve area and calcification score were not different from controls. In the ≥ 24 months statins group, none of the above parameters was different from controls.

Conclusions: Despite the consistent beneficial effect of statins on LDL-cholesterol levels, the available evidence showed no effect on aortic valve structure, function or calcification and no benefit for clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Aortic valve stenosis; Meta-analysis; Statins.