Effect of spironolactone on patients with atrial fibrillation and structural heart disease

Ryan S. Williams, James A de Lemos, Vassilis Dimas, Joan S Reisch, Joseph A Hill, R. Haris Naseem

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Several studies have shown that the modulation of fibrotic scar in cardiac diseases has beneficial effects on cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, recent reports suggest a potential role of mineralocorticoid receptor upregulation in atrial fibrillation (AF). The role of spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker and a potent antifibrotic agent, in AF is as yet unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine if spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker with potent antifibrotic properties, has beneficial effects on AF. Hypothesis: Spironolactone therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation provides additional clinical benefits in addition to the current conventional pharmacological agents. Methods: A comprehensive retrospective analysis was performed on 83 patients with AF, including 23 who were treated with spironolactone for ≥3 months. The combined primary outcome of hospitalization for AF or direct current cardioversion (DCCV) was compared between patients treated with spironolactone in addition to the usual care for AF and those receiving conventional medical therapy alone. Results: Patients receiving spironolactone had significantly fewer primary outcome events (AF-related hospitalizations or DCCV) (22% vs 53%, P = 0.027). Conclusions: Spironolactone therapy is associated with a reduction in the burden of AF, as reflected by a combination of hospitalizations for AF and DCCV. Larger randomized controlled studies should be performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of spironolactone as an adjunctive therapy for patients with AF.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)415-419
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Cardiology
Volume34
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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