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Netherlands Heart Journal
Published in: Netherlands Heart Journal 3/2018

Open Access 01-03-2018 | Review Article

Mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes: what we know and what we do not know

Authors: E. Guasch, L. Mont, M. Sitges

Published in: Netherlands Heart Journal | Issue 3/2018

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Abstract

Exercise is an emerging cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) in young individuals without coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. The causes of exercise-induced atrial fibrillation remain largely unknown, and conclusions are jeopardised by apparently conflicting data. Some components of the athlete’s heart are known to be arrhythmogenic in other settings. Bradycardia, atrial dilatation and, possibly, atrial premature beats are therefore biologically plausible contributors to exercise-induced AF. Challenging findings in an animal model suggest that exercise might also prompt the development of atrial fibrosis, possibly due to cumulative minor structural damage after each exercise bout. However, there is very limited, indirect data supporting this hypothesis in athletes. Age, sex, the presence of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors, and genetic individual variability might serve to flag those athletes who are at the higher risk of exercise-induced AF. In this review, we will critically address current knowledge on the mechanisms of exercise-induced AF.
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Metadata
Title
Mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes: what we know and what we do not know
Authors
E. Guasch
L. Mont
M. Sitges
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Bohn Stafleu van Loghum
Published in
Netherlands Heart Journal / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1568-5888
Electronic ISSN: 1876-6250
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12471-018-1080-x

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