title: [Upstream therapy for atrial fibrillation].
abstract: In recent years a tremendous amount has been learned about the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) which induces electrophysiological changes in the right and left atrium. Besides calcium-dependent tissue changes which are induced by activation of proteases and phosphatases, such as calpain and calcineurin, concomitant cardiac diseases activate the atrial angiotensin II system. Experiments have shown positive effects of statins in AF models. In contrast, clinical studies have provided heterogeneous results. Of note, several studies have shown that therapy with angiotensin II receptor blockers or statins does not influence the recurrence of AF.
authors: Medizinische Klinik II, St. Vincenz-Krankenhaus Paderborn GmbH, Am Busdorf 2, 33098, Paderborn, Deutschland, andreas.goette@vincenz.de.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Goette
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Hammwöhner
authors: Alicja
authors: A
authors: Bukowska
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents