A contemporary review on the genetic basis of atrial fibrillation

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Jason D Roberts1, Michael H Gollob1

  • 1University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario.

Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal
|June 17, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder with significant health risks. Understanding its genetic basis and patient heterogeneity is key to developing more effective treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia, leading to increased risks of heart failure, stroke, and mortality.
  • Current AF treatments have limited efficacy, potentially due to a poor understanding of its complex pathophysiology and significant interindividual variability.
  • Epidemiological and genetic studies confirm a substantial heritable component to AF, highlighting genetic factors in its diverse manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the genetic underpinnings of atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • To investigate the heterogeneity in AF pathophysiology.
  • To propose a genotype-guided approach for improved AF management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological studies on AF heritability.
  • Analysis of genetic investigations into AF.
  • Conceptual framework for subdividing AF based on genotype.

Main Results:

  • AF exhibits considerable interindividual variability in pathophysiology, influenced by genetic factors.
  • This heterogeneity likely contributes to the modest efficacy of current AF therapies.
  • Subtyping AF by genetic mechanisms offers a potential pathway to personalized treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing the genetic heterogeneity of atrial fibrillation is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.
  • A pharmacogenetic approach, tailoring treatments based on an individual's genetic profile, holds promise for significantly improving AF management and patient outcomes.

Keywords:
atrial fibrillationgenespharmacogenetics

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