title: Prevention of atrial fibrillation by way of abrogation of the renin-angiotensin system: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has emerged as an important hormonal system in the initiation and pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are emerging as novel drugs for the prevention of AF. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized, controlled, parallel-design clinical trials evaluating effect of ACEIs or ARBs on the development of AF was performed. Treatment with ACEIs or ARBs reduced the relative risk (RR) of AF in patients with hypertension by 23% [RR 0.769, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.686-0.862] and by 11% in patients after myocardial infarction (RR 0.898, P < 0.05, 95% CI 0.814-0.992). Reduction in AF was greatest in patients after electrical cardioversion (RR 0.491, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.334-0.720) and in patients with heart failure (RR 0.684, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.594-0.787). Overall, inhibition of the RAAS reduced the RR of AF by 19% (RR 0.810, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.759-0.865).
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Mhamad B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Jibrini
authors.forename: Janos
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Molnar
authors.forename: Rohit R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Arora
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors