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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Genetic and non-genetic risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation
Lindsay J Young1, Steve Antwi-Boasiako1, Joel Ferrall2
1The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder, affects millions and increases stroke risk. This review explores AF causes, genetic and environmental factors, and links to COVID-19, aiding prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia.
- AF prevalence is rising, particularly with age, increasing stroke risk.
- Understanding AF pathogenesis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cellular and tissue pathways involved in AF.
- To identify genetic and environmental risk factors for AF.
- To explore the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and AF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on AF.
- Analysis of genetic and environmental influences on AF susceptibility.
- Examination of molecular and cellular mechanisms in AF.
Main Results:
- AF pathogenesis involves complex tissue and cellular pathways.
- Genetic predisposition and environmental factors significantly impact AF risk.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between SARS-CoV-2 and AF.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating AF mechanisms is key for developing preventative strategies.
- Early diagnostics and targeted therapies can improve AF patient outcomes.
- Further research into SARS-CoV-2 and AF is warranted.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmic disorder and its prevalence in the United States is projected to increase to more than twelve million cases in 2030. AF increases the risk of other forms of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. As the incidence of atrial fibrillation increases dramatically with age, it is paramount to elucidate risk factors underlying AF pathogenesis. Here, we review tissue and cellular pathways underlying AF, as well as critical components that impact AF susceptibility including genetic and environmental risk factors. Finally, we provide the latest information on potential links between SARS-CoV-2 and human AF. Improved understanding of mechanistic pathways holds promise in preventative care and early diagnostics, and also introduces novel targeted forms of therapy that might attenuate AF progression and maintenance.
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