Statins reduce new-onset atrial fibrillation after acute myocardial infarction: A nationwide study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The association between AF and serum lipid profile is unclear and statin use for lowering the incidence of new-onset AF remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate whether statins confer a beneficial effect on AF after AMI. Data available in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database on 32886 AMI patients between 2008 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Total 27553 (83.8%) had complete 1-yr follow-up data. Cardiovascular outcomes were analyzed based on the baseline characteristics and AF type (existing, new-onset, or non-AF). AF groups had significantly higher incidence of heart failure (HF), stroke, all-cause death, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) after index AMI (all P