Diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation: Pathophysiological mechanisms and potential upstream therapies. (1st April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goudis, Christos A.; Korantzopoulos, Panagiotis; Ntalas, Ioannis V.; Kallergis, Eleftherios M.; Liu, Tong; Ketikoglou, Dimitrios G.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cardiology. Volume 184(2015)
• Page Start: 617
• Page End: 622
• Publication Date: 2015-04-01
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus -- Atrial fibrillation -- Atrial remodeling -- Upstream therapies; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.03.052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-5273

Abstract

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents one of the most important risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) while AF is a strong and independent marker of overall mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in diabetic patients. Autonomic, electrical, electromechanical, and structural remodeling, including oxidative stress, connexin remodeling and glycemic fluctuations seem to be implicated in AF pathophysiology in the setting of DM. The present review highlights the association between DM and AF, provides a comprehensive overview of the responsible pathophysiological mechanisms and briefly discusses potential upstream therapies for DM-related atrial remodeling. Highlights: Diabetes represents a novel risk factor for atrial fibrillation. The underlying pathophysiology is complex. Autonomic, electrical, and structural remodeling play a critical role. Also, connexin remodeling and glycemic fluctuations promote atrial remodeling. Upstream therapies may have a role in this setting.