Alterations in atrial perfusion during atrial fibrillation

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Christina F Pacchia1, Derek J Dosdall2, Ravi Ranjan2

  • 1Comprehensive Arrhythmia and Research Management Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA christina.pacchia@hsc.utah.edu.

Experimental Physiology
|July 27, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Altered left atrial (LA) perfusion is linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) and structural changes. Further research is needed to understand the causal link and develop treatments for chronic AF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Left atrial (LA) perfusion is critical, with reduced blood flow potentially causing ischaemia and structural remodelling.
  • This remodelling is implicated in the self-perpetuation of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively discuss AF-mediated changes in LA perfusion.
  • To explore potential mechanisms of altered coronary flow to the LA in AF.
  • To discuss the clinical relevance of LA perfusion changes and highlight future research needs.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search of Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar databases (1960–February 2014).
  • Systematic analysis of reference lists from physiological articles and reviews.

Main Results:

  • The association between AF and altered LA perfusion has been studied.
  • A direct causal link between perfusion changes and AF has not yet been established.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding AF-mediated changes in LA perfusion is crucial for managing the condition.
  • Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate changes in LA perfusion from chronic AF.
  • Further research may lead to advancements in effective treatments for AF progression.

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