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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.
Insights
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.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an emerging public health problem. The most important risk factor for developing chronic AF is uncontrolled hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension promotes the initiation and perpetuation of AF through atrial remodeling. Experimental evidence has demonstrated the important role of the renin-angiotensin system in atrial remodeling. Retrospective analysis of several large clinical trials and small prospective trials suggests the beneficial role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in preventing the onset and recurrence of AF in different populations. Several large prospective trials with longer follow-up periods are in progress. These trials may provide definitive evidence for the use of these agents in the prevention of AF.
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