[HTML][HTML] Recent advances in the molecular pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation

R Wakili, N Voigt, S Kääb, D Dobrev… - The Journal of clinical …, 2011 - Am Soc Clin Investig
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2011Am Soc Clin Investig
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an extremely common cardiac rhythm disorder that causes
substantial morbidity and contributes to mortality. The mechanisms underlying AF are
complex, involving both increased spontaneous ectopic firing of atrial cells and impulse
reentry through atrial tissue. Over the past ten years, there has been enormous progress in
understanding the underlying molecular pathobiology. This article reviews the basic
mechanisms and molecular processes causing AF. We discuss the ways in which cardiac …
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an extremely common cardiac rhythm disorder that causes substantial morbidity and contributes to mortality. The mechanisms underlying AF are complex, involving both increased spontaneous ectopic firing of atrial cells and impulse reentry through atrial tissue. Over the past ten years, there has been enormous progress in understanding the underlying molecular pathobiology. This article reviews the basic mechanisms and molecular processes causing AF. We discuss the ways in which cardiac disease states, extracardiac factors, and abnormal genetic control lead to the arrhythmia. We conclude with a discussion of the potential therapeutic implications that might arise from an improved mechanistic understanding.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation