Role of angiotensin receptor blockers in the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias

Am J Cardiol. 2006 Mar 15;97(6):921-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2005.10.028. Epub 2006 Feb 3.

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system is a key regulatory system that is activated in many forms of cardiovascular disease. It is well established that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are important therapeutic agents in the treatment of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. More recent research has suggested that renin-angiotensin system activation may also play a critical role in the genesis of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. The possible role of renin-angiotensin system activation in arrhythmogenesis suggests that ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be important therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias. This review summarizes the current evidence for the use of ARBs in the treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II / drug effects
  • Angiotensin II / physiology*
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II