Statins & Heart Failure

Cardiosource: "Statin therapy may prevent the development of new-onset chronic heart failure (CHF),1 but it�s unclear whether statins are beneficial or harmful in patients who have already developed CHF. Based on autopsy data, up to one-third of the deaths in CHF patients are related to acute coronary syndromes.2 If statin therapy is safe and effective in reducing acute coronary events in patients with CHF, millions of patients who would benefit from such therapy are not currently being treated. Alternatively, if statins have adverse effects in the setting of CHF, a large number of heart failure patients are being exposed unnecessarily. Given the available data, should clinicians recommend or avoid statin therapy for patients with CHF?"