作者
Maurits Allessie, Jannie Ausma, Ulrich Schotten
发表日期
2002/5/1
来源
Cardiovascular research
卷号
54
期号
2
页码范围
230-246
出版商
Elsevier Science
简介
The natural history of atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by a gradual worsening with time. The recent finding that AF itself produces changes in atrial function and structure has provided a possible explanation for the progressive nature of this arrhythmia. Electrical remodeling (shortening of atrial refractoriness) develops within the first days of AF and contributes to an increase in stability of AF. However, ‘domestication of AF’ must also depend on a ‘second factor’ since the persistence of AF continues to increase after electrical remodeling has been completed. Atrial contractile remodeling (loss of contractility) leads to a reduced atrial transport function after cardioversion of AF. An important clinical consequence is that during several days after restoration of sinus rhythm, the risk of atrial thrombus formation is still high. In addition, the reduction of atrial contractility during AF may enhance atrial dilatation which …
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M Allessie, J Ausma, U Schotten - Cardiovascular research, 2002