title: Angiotensin II receptor blockers in the prevention of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. While antiarrhythmic agents and electrical cardioversion are highly effective in restoring sinus rhythm, the results obtained in prevention of recurrences are disappointing. Recently, angiotensin II has been recognized as a key factor in atrial structural and electrical remodeling associated with AF. So there are several potential mechanisms by which inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may reduce AF. In this review, we report the results of studies evaluating the effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in various clinical settings (i.e., lone AF, hypertension, high-risk patients, congestive heart failure, secondary prevention). However, many of these studies are small and retrospective and have a limited follow-up; moreover, since AF is related to several causes, chiefly heart diseases, patients with different characteristics have often been enrolled. Thus, it is not surprising that the results obtained are frequently conflicting. With these limitations and considering only the results of larger studies with longer follow-up, ARBs are effective in preventing AF in patients with congestive heart failure or hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy or coronary artery/cerebrovascular disease. In any case, the use of ARBs is not recommended at present in clinical practice to prevent AF.
authors.affiliation: Antonio Cardarelli Hospital, Cardiology Unit, Via Antonio Cardarelli 9, 80128 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barra
authors.forename: Nunzia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Silvestri
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vitagliano
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Madrid
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaeta
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1