Statins in the prevention of heart failure after myocardial infarction.

Statin therapy has demonstrated clear reductions in the risk of death and recurrent cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and coronary artery disease. Heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and worse long-term prognosis. Some controversy exists about the effects of statin therapy on heart failure, although the favorable effects of statin therapy likely reduce the risk of heart failure development after MI and ACS. This article reviews data on statin therapy and the incidence of heart failure after MI, discussing mechanisms, safety, and outcomes.