Angiotensin II receptor blockers in the prevention of complications from atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially due to ischemic stroke. The occurrence of AF leads to atrial electrical and structural remodeling. The renin-angiotensin system appears to play a role in the development of atrial arrhythmias by its involvement in both of these processes. Large-scale hypertension trials and heart failure trials have indicated the potential value of angiotensin II receptor blockers in the treatment of AF.

Detection of Atrial High-Rate Episodes in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices — a Multicenter Experience from Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…23,24 The mechanism by which ARBs prevent atrial fibrillation is wellestablished and is related to the blockade of effects of the renin-angiotensin system through the electrical and structural remodeling of atria. 25 Here it is worth mentioning that although amiodarone is one of the most commonly used antiarrhythmic drug and is known to decrease the occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia but in our study it was not associated with reduction of AHRE episodes, this may be due to lesser number of patients using amiodarone as patients with known atrial fibrillation were excluded from the study Our study included patients with Dual chamber PPM and ICDs as well as patients with CRTD and CRTP whereas in prior studies only a population with pacemakers was studied. 15,16 Most of participants included in the study were either implanted with Medtronic or Abbot (former St. Jude) devices while a few participants had received Boston scientific devices.…”