Irbesartan and Adhesion Molecules in AF

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with persistent/permanent AF (\>2 months) * CHADS2 Score ≥2 * Age ≥18 * Patient informed orally and in writing * Written informed consent of the patient * Patients who are anticipated to show sufficient compliance in following the study protocol * Patients must agree to undergo the 148 days clinical follow-up * Patients who are mentally and linguistically able to understand the aim of the study and the associated risks and benefits of the treatment. The patients, by providing informed consent, agree to this treatment as stated in the patient informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Strong clinical evidence that prevents the temporary pause of therapy with AT II antagonists * Symptomatic bradycardia * Implanted pacemaker or implanted cardioverter/defibrillator with any antitachycardia algorithm in use * Cardiac surgery or cardiac catheter ablation within the last 3 months prior to randomisation * Typical angina pectoris symptoms at rest or during exercise * Known coronary artery disease with indication for intervention * Symptomatic peripheral vascular disease * Left ventricular ejection fraction \<35% * Myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to randomisation * Diastolic blood pressure \>110mmHg at rest * Symptomatic arterial hypotension * Known renal artery stenosis * Serum creatinin \>1.8mval/l * Chronic inflammatory disease * Acute inflammatory disease (CRP \>20mg/L) * Relevant hepatic or pulmonary disorders * Hyperthyreosis manifested clinically and in laboratory * Known drug intolerance for AT II inhibitors * Females who are pregnant or breast feeding * Females of childbearing potential who are not using a scientifically accepted method of contraception * Participation in a clinical trial within the last 30 days prior to randomisation * Drug addiction or chronic alcohol abuse * Cancer or other disease, which inevitably leads to death * Legal incapacity, or other circumstances which would prevent the patient from understanding the aim, nature or extent of the clinical study, evidence of an uncooperative attitude