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Atrial electrophysiologic remodeling: another vicious circle?
1Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|December 30, 1998
Summary
Acquired heart disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF), often results from gradual changes. Research now explores long-term adaptations like electrical remodeling, crucial for understanding arrhythmia progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Acquired heart disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF), typically develops gradually over months or years.
- Most current knowledge on cardiac arrhythmias stems from acute experiments, overlooking slow pathological processes.
- Recent research highlights long-term adaptation mechanisms such as cardiac memory and electrical remodeling.
Discussion:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) can create a self-perpetuating cycle of electrophysiologic and structural changes in the heart.
- This phenomenon, termed "AF begets AF," leads to the "domestication" of the arrhythmia.
- This article reviews studies investigating AF-induced electrophysiologic and cellular remodeling.
Key Insights:
- Focusing on long-term adaptations is essential for understanding chronic cardiac conditions.
- Experimental models demonstrate that AF can induce progressive changes, solidifying the arrhythmia.
- Understanding cellular and electrical remodeling is key to addressing AF progression.
Outlook:
- Further research into long-term adaptation processes is needed.
- Investigating AF-induced remodeling may reveal new therapeutic targets.
- Translating findings from experimental models to clinical practice is a future goal.