Statins reduce progression of rheumatic mitral valve disease

Statins have been known to reduce the progression of atherosclerotic aortic valve disease. A recent study published in Circulation (Circulation. 2010;121:2130-2136.) suggests that statins may have a role in reducing the progression of rheumatic mitral valve disease as well. The authors evaluated 35 patients who had received statins and 280 who had not. The mean age of the group was 61 years and the mean follow up was 6.1 years, with a range of 1 to 20 years.  The rate of decrease in mitral valve area was significantly lower in those who received statins. Progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension was also more frequent in those not receiving statins. Authors propose that these data may have implications for medical therapy in patients with rheumatic heart disease.