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Updated: May 13, 2026
09:17
High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 29, 2011
Atrial fibrillation: natural history, complications, and management
J S Alpert1, P Petersen, J Godtfredsen
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01605.
Annual Review of Medicine
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, increases stroke and death risks. It can be treated with electrical or drug therapies, including amiodarone, to restore normal sinus rhythm.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a significant arrhythmia with major prognostic and therapeutic implications.
- Common causes include hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and rheumatic valvular disease.
- Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of embolic stroke and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical significance, causes, and management of atrial fibrillation.
- To highlight the impact of atrial fibrillation on cardiac output and stroke risk.
- To discuss reversion strategies for atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on atrial fibrillation.
- Analysis of the physiological consequences of atrial fibrillation, including loss of atrial kick.
- Evaluation of therapeutic interventions for atrial fibrillation.
Main Results:
- Loss of atrial kick in atrial fibrillation leads to a 20-30% decline in stroke output, more pronounced in patients with heart disease.
- Atrial fibrillation is associated with increased risks of embolic stroke and death.
- Electrical and pharmacological cardioversion are effective in restoring sinus rhythm.
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition requiring prompt management.
- Therapeutic interventions, including amiodarone, can successfully revert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, even in refractory cases.
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