Non-antiarrhythmic medications for atrial fibrillation: from bench to clinical practice

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2008 Aug;22(2):119-28. doi: 10.1007/s10840-008-9204-7. Epub 2008 Mar 4.

Abstract

Many treatment modalities have been developed over the years for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). While they are still considered the first line of treatment for suppression of AF, antiarrhythmics often lead to treatment failure, complications and undesired consequences. Pulmonary vein ablation is an invasive procedure which is not always curative. Recently, there have been a variety of studies reporting the potential antiarrhythmic effects of various nonantiarrhythmic agents. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the findings reported thus far about the antiarrhythmic effects of agents which are not antiarrhythmic drugs themselves, but which have been found to offer promise in the prevention and treatment of AF.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / pharmacology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors