Targeted Atrial Fibrillation Therapy and Risk Stratification Using Atrial Alternans

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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

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Neha Muthavarapu1, Anmol Mohan1,2, Sharanya Manga1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.

Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
|February 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Atrial alternans, a beat-to-beat oscillation in atrial activity, show promise in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. This review explores their clinical utility in identifying and managing AF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Arrhythmia Research

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia, increasing with age.
  • Cardiac alternans, oscillations in electrical activity and contraction force, can precede lethal arrhythmias.
  • Microvolt T-wave alternans predict ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical utility of atrial alternans in identifying AF risk.
  • To explore the role of atrial alternans in guiding AF treatment.
  • To synthesize current evidence on atrial alternans and atrial tachyarrhythmias.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of existing evidence linking atrial alternans to AF onset.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic implications of atrial alternans.

Main Results:

  • Growing evidence links atrial alternans to the onset of atrial tachyarrhythmias.
  • Atrial alternans show potential as predictors of AF risk.
  • Studies suggest atrial alternans may inform treatment strategies for AF.

Conclusions:

  • Atrial alternans represent a promising biomarker for AF risk stratification.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the clinical utility of atrial alternans.
  • Understanding atrial alternans mechanisms can lead to improved AF management.

Keywords:
ablationarrhythmia riskatrial alternansatrial fibrillationp-wavespulmonary vein isolationsubstrate mapping

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