Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and rosuvastatin in patients with heart failure: results of the GISSI-HF trial

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2009 Jul;7(7):735-48. doi: 10.1586/erc.09.70.

Abstract

Epidemiological, experimental studies and post hoc analyses of randomized trials suggested that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and statins could be beneficial in chronic heart failure. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials investigated the efficacy and safety of n-3 PUFA 1 g daily (R1) and rosuvastatin 10 mg daily (R2) in patients with heart failure. In total, 6975 and 4574 patients were randomized in R1 and R2, respectively; the main reason for excluding patients from R2 being the open-label administration of statin treatment. Primary end points were death, and death or admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons. n-3 PUFA, but not rosuvastatin, significantly decreased the two coprimary end points: 56 and 44 patients needed to be treated with n-3 PUFA for a median duration of 3.9 years to avoid one death or one cumulative event. Both drugs were safe and were tolerated. A simple and safe treatment with n-3 PUFA provides a beneficial advantage in patients with heart failure in a context of usual care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Fluorobenzenes / adverse effects
  • Fluorobenzenes / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyrimidines / adverse effects
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rosuvastatin Calcium
  • Sulfonamides / adverse effects
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fluorobenzenes
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Sulfonamides
  • Rosuvastatin Calcium