Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
08:10
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
2.0K
The Complex Interplay Between Aging, Cardiac Remodeling, and Atrial Fibrillation
Tammy Ryan1, Carlos A Morillo2, José Jalife3
1Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary Health Research Innovation Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology
|November 20, 2025
Summary
Aging significantly increases atrial fibrillation risk. Research explores underlying mechanisms like fibrosis and inflammation to understand this public health challenge.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Aging Research
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Aging is a primary risk factor for atrial fibrillation.
- The aging global population exacerbates this public health concern.
- Specific mechanisms linking aging to atrial fibrillation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the link between aging and atrial fibrillation.
- To focus on the basic pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
- To identify areas for future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies from the last several years.
- Focus on basic science and pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Synthesis of current understanding and identification of knowledge gaps.
Main Results:
- Several biological processes implicated: fibrosis, DNA damage, chromatin remodeling, amyloid deposition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation.
- These processes contribute to structural and functional atrial changes.
- Current research highlights multiple contributing factors to age-related atrial remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Aging-associated pathophysiological changes are central to atrial fibrillation development.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex relationship between aging and atrial fibrillation.
- Understanding these mechanisms may lead to targeted interventions for age-related cardiovascular diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
2.7K
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
2.7K
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
693
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
693
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
415
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
415
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
1.6K
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
1.6K
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
442
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
442
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
2.3K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
2.3K