Published in:
01-07-2015 | Invited Editorial
Irregular rhythm and atrial metabolism are key for the evolution of proarrhythmic atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation
Authors:
Jordi Heijman, Dobromir Dobrev
Published in:
Basic Research in Cardiology
|
Issue 4/2015
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Excerpt
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically relevant arrhythmia [
3]. AF is generally considered a progressive disease, with episodes increasing in frequency and/or duration over time, resulting in a transition from paroxysmal (lasting <7 days and spontaneously converting to sinus rhythm) AF (pAF) to persistent AF (lasting >7 days or requiring cardioversion), long-lasting persistent (chronic) AF (cAF), and permanent AF [
12,
20]. Although the current AF classification was not developed based on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, there are important differences in the molecular and cellular electrophysiology of pAF and cAF patients [
30,
31]. The AF classification also has important therapeutic implications, with more advanced forms of AF being less amenable to rhythm-control therapy. Nonetheless, the type and time course of AF progression are difficult to predict in an individual patient. A better understanding of the mechanisms of AF progression may help to improve and tailor AF therapy [
11,
12]. …
