[Preventive strategy for atrial fibrillation in arterial hypertension].

The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of angiotensin II receptor blockers and inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ECE) for protective therapy following medicamentous cardioversion with propafen at a loading dose of 600 mg in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and arterial hypertension. 101 patients were divided in 2 groups. Group 1 included 75 patients who received ACE inhibitor lisinopril (10 mg BID) after recovery of sinus rhythm by propanorm. 26 patients of group 2 were treated with angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan (8 mg daily). Combined treatment with angiotensin II receptor blocker and propafenone leads to cardioversion faster than therapy with ACR inhibitor. It is concluded that alternative approach to the maintenance of sinus rhythm using angiotensin II receptor blockers has advantages over traditional anti-arrhythmic therapy; it is well tolerated by the patients and produced no serious side effects.