The Emerging Role of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation and the Potential of Counter Interventions

Authors

  • Michalis Efremidis
  • Dimitrios Bramos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2015/hc.v3i1%20sup.140

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, affecting approximately 0.9% of the population. The prevalence of AF is strongly age-dependent, affecting approximately 1% of persons aged 65 years and 5% of individuals older than 65 years.2 AF is also associated with an increase in the relative risk of mortality ranging from 1.3 to 2.34, independent of other risk factors as well as an increasing morbidity and adversely affects quality of life.3-5 Unfortunately, current rhythm control strategies are far from ideal. Data from five comparative studies of a primary rate control vs. rhythm control strategy for patients with a history of AF failed to show a significant superiority of rhythm control. In fact, these studies merely emphasized the limited efficacy and high side-effect profile of the currently available anti-arrhythmic drugs.

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Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 sup (2008)

Section

Athens Cardiology Update 2008

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