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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Lone atrial fibrillation: Pathologic or not?
1Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Department of Pathology, 3330 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505, USA. pwc@gte.net
Lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) differs from typical atrial fibrillation (AF). LAF affects younger, fitter individuals and may be linked to physiological changes, distinct from age-related cardiac fibrosis in pathological AF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Physiology
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to aging and obesity, associated with diabetes and inflammation.
- Lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) presents differently, favoring the fit and middle-aged, particularly males.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between pathological AF and LAF using anthropometric measurements.
- To explore the distinct underlying mechanisms of pathological AF versus LAF.
Main Methods:
- An anthropometric study utilizing a database of LAF individuals.
- Analysis of weight, height, hip, and waist measurements to identify differentiating features.
Main Results:
- Individuals with LAF were found to be younger, predominantly male, taller, and had less central adiposity compared to those with pathological AF.
- These findings suggest distinct physiological profiles for LAF and pathological AF.
Conclusions:
- Pathological AF may stem from cardiac fibrosis and age-related changes, while LAF might involve neurohormonal and physiological factors.
- Anthropometric data can potentially differentiate between these two forms of AF, with implications for understanding associated conditions like insulin resistance and mitral valve prolapse.
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