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Aging and atrial fibrillation: A vicious circle

Pan Gao1, Xinyi Gao1, Bingxin Xie1

  • 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.

International Journal of Cardiology
|October 17, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder, becomes more prevalent with age. This review explores recent research on the links between aging and AF, including potential biological mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent sustained cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical settings.
  • The incidence and prevalence of AF significantly escalate with increasing age, posing a major public health challenge.
  • Understanding the aging-AF nexus is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the scientific understanding of the relationship between aging and atrial fibrillation.
  • To explore and elucidate the potential underlying biological and physiological mechanisms contributing to AF in older populations.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on age-related factors influencing AF pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of recent peer-reviewed literature.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on AF prevalence across different age groups.
  • Examination of molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms implicated in age-related AF.

Main Results:

  • Aging is a primary risk factor for AF, with prevalence rising sharply in individuals over 65.
  • Key mechanisms include cardiac structural and electrical remodeling, inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic predispositions.
  • Comorbidities common in older adults, such as hypertension and heart failure, exacerbate AF risk.

Conclusions:

  • The aging process itself contributes significantly to the development of atrial fibrillation through multiple interconnected pathways.
  • Further research into age-specific mechanisms is essential for personalized therapeutic approaches.
  • Effective management of age-related cardiovascular risk factors may help mitigate AF incidence.

Keywords:
AgingAtrial fibrillationAtrial fibrosis

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