[Relations between FANS, PPI and atrial fibrillation]

Recenti Prog Med. 2013 May;104(5):209-13. doi: 10.1701/1291.14278.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Recent evidence supports the existence of an association between the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of atrial fibrillation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used for the treatment of systemic inflammatory disorders, and chronic inflammation is a well-known risk factor for the development of myocardial fibrosis. The latter accounts for atrial inhomogeneities of conduction, thus triggering and perpetuating atrial fibrillation. Atrial inflammatory remodeling may therefore be responsible for the higher incidence of atrial fibrillation among patients assuming steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of an underlying inflammatory disorders. Alternative theories contemplate gastroesophageal reflux, which is extremely common during the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and may trigger atrial fibrillation, as mediating the above-mentioned association.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / chemically induced*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / epidemiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / prevention & control
  • Fibrosis / etiology
  • Fibrosis / physiopathology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / chemically induced
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors