Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
The Multifaceted Interplay between Atrial Fibrillation and Myocardial Infarction: A Review
Alban Belkouche1, Hermann Yao1, Alain Putot2
1Department of Cardiology, University Teaching Hospital of Dijon Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently complicates myocardial infarction (MI), increasing mortality. This review highlights AF
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is intricately linked with myocardial infarction (MI).
- AF is frequently observed in type 1 MI (T1MI) and is associated with higher mortality.
- AF recurrence post-hospital discharge for T1MI necessitates improved screening and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex relationship between AF and MI.
- To elucidate AF's role in T1MI and type 2 MI (T2MI) pathogenesis.
- To discuss the challenges in managing patients with both AF and coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the interplay between AF and MI.
- Analysis of existing data on AF prevalence and impact in T1MI and T2MI.
- Examination of AF as a trigger for T2MI and coronary artery embolism (CE).
Main Results:
- AF is common in T1MI, increasing mortality and recurrence risk.
- AF can trigger T2MI through tachyarrhythmia (13-47%) or bradyarrhythmia (2-7%), and anemia-related complications.
- AF is an underestimated cause of CE, leading to MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries.
Conclusions:
- AF management is crucial in T1MI patients to reduce mortality and recurrence.
- Understanding AF's role in T2MI is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Concurrent AF and coronary syndromes pose therapeutic dilemmas due to conflicting anticoagulation and antiplatelet needs.
Abstract:
This review was conducted to emphasize the complex interplay between atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infraction (MI). In type 1 (T1) MI, AF is frequent and associated with excess mortality. Moreover, AF after hospital discharge for T1MI is not rare, suggesting the need to improve AF screening and to develop therapeutic strategies for AF recurrence. Additionally, AF is a common trigger for type 2 MI (T2MI), and recent data have shown that tachyarrhythmia or bradyarrhythmia could be a causal factor in, respectively, 13-47% or 2-7% of T2MI. In addition, AF is involved in T2MI pathogenesis as a result of severe anemia related to anticoagulants. AF is also an underestimated and frequent cause of coronary artery embolism (CE), as a situation at risk of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. AF-causing CE is difficult to diagnose and requires specific management. Moreover, patients with both AF and chronic coronary syndromes represent a therapeutic challenge because the treatment of AF include anticoagulation, depending on the embolic risk, and ischemic heart disease management paradoxically includes antiplatelet therapy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
01:17Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and...