The effects of atorvastatin (10 mg) on systemic inflammation in heart failure.

In observational studies, statins are associated with lower mortality in patients with heart failure (HF), including those with nonischemic HF. Such benefits could be related to anti-inflammatory effects; however, the effects of statins on systemic inflammation in HF are not well-established. We conducted a 16-week, single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of the effects of atorvastatin 10 mg/day on concentrations of systemic inflammatory markers in 22 patients with HF (including 20 with nonischemic HF) with New York Heart Association class II or III symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%.

Hemodynamic effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, in patients with mild to moderate aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular function.

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use is presumed to be contraindicated in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). We determined the hemodynamic effects of ACE inhibitors in patients with mild to moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and preserved left ventricular function.

Methods: Thirteen elderly patients (mean [SD] age = 65 [17] years), with mild to moderate AS (aortic jet velocity 2.