Reduction in atrial and pulmonary vein stretch as a therapeutic target for prevention of atrial fibrillation
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review › Research › peer-review
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that is associated with increased mortality. Heart failure, hypertension, valvular disease, and obstructive sleep apnea are risk factors for incident AF. A common characteristic of these diseases is that they increase atrial wall stretch. Multiple experimental studies confirm a proarrhythmic effect of atrial stretch. Conversely, a reduction in stretch is antiarrhythmic. A therapeutic target for AF, therefore, lies in local reduction of atrial stretch. This review focuses on atrial stretch and its clinical associations in patients with AF and its downstream effects on electrophysiology. We discuss the possible application of targeted atrial stretch reduction in AF prevention. We conclude that a reduction in local atrial stretch should be considered an essential element in rhythm control.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Heart Rhythm |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 291-298 |
ISSN | 1547-5271 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2023 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © 2022 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Humans, Atrial Fibrillation/therapy, Pulmonary Veins/surgery, Heart Atria, Anti-Arrhythmia Agents/therapeutic use, Risk Factors, Catheter Ablation/adverse effects, Treatment Outcome
Research areas
ID: 396849913