Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Hypertension and atrial fibrillation
1Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Medicine (111), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA.
Uncontrolled hypertension contributes to atrial fibrillation (AF) through atrial remodeling. Medications targeting the renin-angiotensin system may help prevent AF onset and recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a growing public health concern.
- Uncontrolled hypertension is the primary risk factor for developing chronic AF.
- Hypertension-induced atrial remodeling is a key mechanism in AF development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the renin-angiotensin system in atrial remodeling and AF.
- To evaluate the potential of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in AF prevention.
- To discuss ongoing research in AF prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence on the renin-angiotensin system and atrial remodeling.
- Analysis of retrospective data from clinical trials on ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
- Consideration of ongoing prospective trials for AF prevention.
Main Results:
- Experimental studies highlight the renin-angiotensin system's role in atrial remodeling.
- Retrospective analyses suggest ACE inhibitors and ARBs may prevent AF onset and recurrence.
- Current evidence is based on observational data and smaller trials.
Conclusions:
- The renin-angiotensin system is implicated in hypertension-related atrial remodeling and AF.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers show promise for AF prevention.
- Larger prospective trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of these agents in AF prevention.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

