Clinical Report: Impact of Statin Therapy on Cardiac Function in HFpEF

Overview

This pilot study evaluated the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on cardiac function and biomarkers in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts morbidity and mortality, yet effective treatment options are limited. Statins, known for their lipid-lowering and pleiotropic effects, may offer therapeutic benefits in HFpEF by addressing systemic inflammation and cardiac remodeling. This study investigates the comparative effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in this patient population.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Atorvastatin led to a greater increase in 6-minute walk distance (6MWTD) compared to rosuvastatin.
• Both statin groups showed comparable improvements in NYHA functional class and exercise duration.
• Comparable decreases in E/e′ ratio and left atrial volume index were observed in both groups.
• Atorvastatin was superior in enhancing left atrial reserve during exercise.
• Significant decreases in inflammatory biomarkers were noted in the atorvastatin group.
• Rosuvastatin showed reductions in hsCRP and MCP-1 only in patients with high baseline values.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate differences in the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on functional capacity and inflammatory biomarkers in HFpEF patients.

Conclusion

Statin therapy in HFpEF patients is associated with improved functional capacity and cardiac remodeling.

Related Resources & Content

1. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2026 -- Short-term lesion-level impact of extensive LDL-C reduction with statins and PCSK9 inhibitors
2. Nature Medicine, 2026 -- The microRNA inhibitor CDR132L in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after myocardial infarction
3. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2026 -- Intake of high-intensity statin after acute myocardial infarction
4. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure
5. 2023 ACC Expert Consensus on Management of HFpEF
6. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — The impact of cardiac rehabilitation on rehospitalization and mortality rates in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
7. 2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia
8. 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias
9. 2022 AHA / ACC / HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure
10. 2023 ACC Expert Consensus on Management of HFpEF: Key Points - American College of Cardiology
11. Rosuvastatin in Older Patients with Systolic Heart Failure | New England Journal of Medicine
12. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between all-cause mortality and statin therapy in patients with preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF) - International Journal of Cardiology
13. Frontiers | Effects of Statins on Functional Capacity and Cardiac Remodeling in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: a Randomized Open-Label Pilot Trial
14. Comparative effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis - PMC
15. Effects of tirzepatide on circulatory overload and end-organ damage in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity: a secondary analysis of the SUMMIT trial - PubMed