[New strategies in the treatment of atrial fibrillation]

Atrial fibrillation (AFb) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Once initiated, AFb alters atrial electrical and structural properties (remodeling) that promotes its maintenance and recurrence. Treatment is directed to restore and maintain the sinus rhythm, to control the ventricular rate and to prevent thromboembolic complications. Recent evidence indicates that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists and statins modify atrial remodeling and reduce the incidence of AFb, thus possibly representing a new alternative in the treatment of the arrhythmia.