The effect of inhibition of renin-angiotensin system on cardioversion success and recurrences of atrial fibrillation

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can play an important role as the underlying mechanism for the development and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). In addition, AF itself can lead to atrial structural and/or electrophysiologic remodeling by activating the RAS. This remodeling serves as an arrhythmogenic substrate for AF. Thus, the inhibition of RAS with angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blockers may be a strategy to prevent occurrence and recurrence of AF in certain patients such as those with heart failure and hypertension in associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition, it may facilitate the cardioversion of AF. In this review, we overview the effect of RAS blockers on cardioversion success and recurrence of AF.