Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is an emerging technology for the evaluation of left atrial (LA) function. This technique is feasible, overcomes the limitations of tissue Doppler imaging and has been demonstrated to accurately assess atrial function during the different phases of the cardiac cycle (1). Atrial structural and electrical remodeling are the hallmarks of a...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly occurs in patient with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Potential triggers for AF development in this setting includes reduced left ventricular function, advanced diastolic dysfunction and mitral regurgitation leading to elevated left atrial pressures and atrial stretch. Other triggering mechanisms include inflammation and atrial ischemia. Multiple studies ha...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension often coexist and are both responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Aggressive treatment of hypertension, especially with a RAS-blocker, may postpone or prevent AF development and reduce thromboembolic complications. Focus on primary prevention of atrial fibrillation with optimal antihypertensive treatment may reduce morbidity, mortality an...

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is electrical resynchronization of the ventricles. Bachmann's bundle (BB) pacing is considered to be electrical resynchronization of the atria. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and congestive heart failure (HF) often coexist in the same patient. A 69 year-old man who underwent CRT combined with BB pacing for HF and atrial tachycardias or atrial fibrillation (AF) ...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice. It significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality of elderly population. Over past 25–30 years intense effort basic research has advanced understanding relationship between pathophysiology AF atrial remodelling. Nowadays it clear that various forms remodelling (electrical, contractile structural) play ...

AIMS Accumulation of atrial adipose tissue is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship between the characteristics of fatty infiltrates of the atrial myocardium and the history of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Atrial samples, collected in 92 patients during cardiac surgery and in a sheep model of persistent A...

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are often high risk being elderly and having multiple comorbidities. Many factors established to be associated with new onset incident AF, as well AF-related complications such stroke hospitalisations. Multimorbidity AF require a holistic approach care, which should proactively managing an integrated care or per the ABC (atrial better care) pathway.

The ultra rapid potassium current (IKur) is an attractive pharmacological target in atrial fibrillation (AF) management due to its atrial specific nature. An experimentally based 78% IKur reduction was incorporated into a human atrial action potential (AP) model under sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial fibrillation (AF) conditions. Its effects on cell and tissue level electrical activity were simulat...

conclusions we can conclude that treatment of af using a right-sided minithoracotomy approach and rf energy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for various valve diseases is feasible, safe, and reproducible. objectives our aim is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and immediate plus medium-term results of concomitant af ablation therapy in patients undergoing minimally invasive valve surge...

We report a case of sarcoidosis presenting initially as atrial fibrillation(AF). His response to anti-arrhythmic treatment strategy was suboptimal. On initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, AF was better controlled. This interesting case highlights a likely link between inflammation and pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.