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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Atrial fibrillation and gastroesophageal reflux disease: From the cardiologist perspective
Mariana Floria1, Vasile Liviu Drug1
1Mariana Floria, Gr. T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700111 Iasi, Romania.
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux disease may act as a trigger for atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation should be considered an extraesophageal syndrome associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) share common pathogenic mechanisms.
- Cardiovascular involvement in GERD requires further assessment.
- Left atrial remodeling, influenced by hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, predisposes individuals to AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underappreciated cardiovascular aspects of GERD.
- To propose AF as a potential extraesophageal manifestation of GERD.
- To discuss GERD as a possible trigger for AF.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GERD and AF.
- Cardiological perspective on pathogenic mechanisms.
- Analysis of predisposing factors for AF.
Main Results:
- GERD may serve as a trigger for AF.
- Underlying conditions like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes contribute to AF development through atrial remodeling.
- The relationship between GERD and cardiovascular conditions warrants deeper investigation.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation should be considered a potential extraesophageal syndrome in the classification of GERD.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the link between GERD and cardiovascular events.
Abstract:
We have read with interest the paper by Roman C. and colleagues discussing the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and atrial fibrillation. The review is presenting the available evidence for the common pathogenic mechanisms. However, from a cardiologist perspective, some available data were not highlighted in the review, cardiovascular involvement in gastroesophageal reflux is less assessed. Hypertension, obesity or diabetes mellitus are substrate for left atrial remodeling that initiate and sustained atrial fibrillation development. One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms in atrial fibrillation is the presence of a trigger. Gastroesophageal reflux could be only a trigger for this arrhythmia. We believe that atrial fibrillation should be considered as possible extraesophageal syndrome in the gastroesophageal reflux classification.
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