Modulation of cardiovascular remodeling with statins: fact or fiction?

The concept of cardiac remodeling implies a complex mixture of myocardial ischemia, and increased wall stress that results in molecular, cellular and interstitial changes in the heart. Clinically, cardiac remodeling is manifested as a change in size, shape and function of the heart. Morphologically the key feature of remodeling is myocyte hypertrophy, myocyte loss from necrosis or apoptosis, as well as interstitial cell growth especially fibroblast proliferation leading to myocardial fibrosis. Cardiac remodeling is influenced by hemodynamic load, neurohumoral activation, and other factors that can further affect the remodeling process. Despite advances in the management of heart failure, morbidity and mortality still present major health care issues in these patients. Statins (HMG Coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) play a key role in the management of ischemic heart disease. Recent studies indicate that statins may modulate cardiac remodeling by affecting signals that cause fibroblast growth, and myocyte hypertrophy and loss. In this paper we review the mechanisms of cardiac remodeling and the mechanisms of potential beneficial effects of statins on cardiac remodeling.