Atrial fibrosis as a dominant factor for the development of atrial fibrillation: facts and gaps. Issue 3 (30th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xintarakou, Anastasia; Tzeis, Stylianos; Psarras, Stelios; Asvestas, Dimitrios; Vardas, Panos
• Is Part Of: Europace. Volume 22:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 342
• Page End: 351
• Publication Date: 2020-01-30
• Subjects: Atrial fibrosis -- Atrial fibrillation; Arrhythmia -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiac pacing -- Periodicals; Catheter ablation -- Periodicals; Heart -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Electrophysiology -- Periodicals; 617.4120645
• DOI: 10.1093/europace/euaa009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1099-5129

Abstract

Abstract: : Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia, affects a notable percentage of the population and constitutes a major risk factor for thromboembolic events and other heart-related conditions. Fibrosis plays an important role in the onset and perpetuation of AF through structural and electrical remodelling processes. Multiple molecular pathways are involved in atrial substrate modification and the subsequent maintenance of AF. In this review, we aim to recapitulate underlying molecular pathways leading to atrial fibrosis and to indicate existing gaps in the complex interplay of atrial fibrosis and AF.