Open AccessGaps in the ARB Knowledge Base: Are ARBs Effective Anti–Atrial Fibrillation Agents?
Author(s) -
Kowey Peter
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the journal of clinical hypertension
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1751-7176
pISSN - 1524-6175
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2009.00214.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , intensive care medicine , angiotensin receptor blockers , heart failure , disease , population , population ageing , intervention (counseling) , cardiology , renin–angiotensin system , environmental health , psychiatry , blood pressure
The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the overall health of the patient is underestimated by many health care practitioners. Aging is the most important pathogenetic factor for this disease and, with the aging of the population, AF will soon reach epidemic levels. Although the surface electrocardiograph indicates the presence of this arrhythmia, there are numerous mechanisms that could be causing it. Therefore, the clinician has to choose which intervention might be best. However, currently available therapeutics, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, are inadequate. This paper will discuss the clinical impact of AF, its various treatment options, how inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) can impact atrial electrophysiology, and therapeutic evidence to support the use of RAAS modulation in AF.