[Stroke and other thromboembolic complications of atrial fibrillation. Part v. The use of drugs without antithrombotic or antiarrhythmic properties.].

In part V of a series of papers on epidemiology and drug prevention of stroke and other thromboembolic complications of atrial fibrillation the authors analyze data of randomized trials exhibiting ability of long term use of beta-adrenoblockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists and statins to prevent atrial fibrillation. They also discuss results of short term studies demonstrating improved efficacy of electrical and pharmacological cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation after pretreatment with verapamil, beta-adrenoblockers, and angiotensin receptor antagonists, and present data indicating that monotherapy with verapamil, beta-adrenoblockers, angiotensin receptor antagonists and statins can facilitate maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.