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Updated: Jun 11, 2025
08:10
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
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Atrial Fibrillation and Underlying Structural and Electrophysiological Heterogeneity
Satoshi Iwamiya1, Kensuke Ihara1, Giichi Nitta1
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 28, 2024
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment fails due to increasing atrial heterogeneity. Understanding this structural and electrical variation is key to developing new therapies for persistent AF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging to manage with current therapies.
- Atrial structural and electrophysiological heterogeneity contributes to poor treatment outcomes in AF.
- AF itself can worsen this heterogeneity, creating a complex pathological cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and consolidate current knowledge on atrial heterogeneity in AF.
- To explore the relationship between heterogeneity and AF pathogenesis.
- To identify heterogeneity as a target for novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of clinical studies, animal and cell experiments.
- Analysis of molecular basis and computer-based modeling approaches.
- Synthesis of data on anatomical, histological, autonomic, ionic, and electrophysiological heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Atrial heterogeneity manifests in structural, fibrotic, autonomic, ionic, and electrophysiological dimensions.
- This heterogeneity is intrinsically linked to AF development and progression.
- Heterogeneity complicates the maintenance of sinus rhythm and treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing atrial heterogeneity is crucial for understanding AF mechanisms.
- Substrate modification targeting heterogeneity offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into heterogeneity can advance AF pathophysiology understanding and management.
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