title: The role of the renin-angiotensin system blocking in the management of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review current available evidence for the role of renin-angiotensin system blockade in the management of atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a PubMed and Medline literature search (January 1980 through July 2011) to identify all clinical trials published in English concerning the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers for primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation. We also discussed renin-angiotensin system and its effects on cellular electrophysiology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evidence from the current studies discussed does not provide a firm definitive indication for the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers in the primary or secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless, modest benefits were observed in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. In view of the possible benefits and the low incidence of side-effects with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers, they can be given to patients with recurrent AF, specifically those with hypertension, heart failure and diabetes mellitus.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, ManchesterUK.
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cliff
authors.affiliation: Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, ManchesterUK.
authors.forename: Naveed
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Younis
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Biomedicine, Core Technology Facility (3rd Floor), University of Manchester, ManchesterUK.
authors.forename: Salam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hama
authors.affiliation: University Department of Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals, ManchesterUK.
authors.forename: Handrean
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Soran
keywords: Angiotensin II receptor blockers; Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; Atrial fibrillation; Renin–angiotensin system