Atrial Cardiomyopathy and Atrial Fibrillation in Different Heart Failure Substrates

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Translational Science
• Basic Science

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) incidences are increasing worldwide.
• These conditions share interdependence and exacerbate each other.
• HF is classified by ejection fraction (EF): HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review basic and translational science findings on shared pathophysiological substrates between HF and atrial cardiomyopathy.
• To explore potential clinical applications of these findings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of basic and translational science research.
• Synthesis of evidence connecting HF and atrial cardiomyopathy.

Main Results:

• Atrial cardiomyopathy (atriopathy) involves atrial alterations driven by risk factors and comorbidities.
• Diverse mechanisms, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiomyopathies, and infiltrative diseases, contribute to both AF and HF.
• Emerging evidence links cardiac amyloidosis, cancers, and chemotherapy to AF and HF.

Conclusions:

• Understanding shared pathophysiological substrates is crucial for managing AF and HF.
• Translational science offers potential clinical applications for treating these interconnected conditions.