Atrial fibrillation in inherited cardiac channelopathies: From mechanisms to management

Heart Rhythm. 2016 Sep;13(9):1878-84. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.06.008. Epub 2016 Jun 9.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in cardiac channelopathies and may be the presenting feature in some patients. The pathogenesis is related to the primary ion channel dysfunction in atrial myocytes that affects atrial conduction or repolarization. The development of AF is associated with adverse outcomes, and its management is challenging in these patients. In this article we review the current information on the prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of AF in specific cardiac channelopathies.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Brugada syndrome; Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; Channelopathy; Long QT syndrome; Short QT syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / etiology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy
  • Brugada Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Channelopathies / complications
  • Channelopathies / physiopathology*
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Ion Channels

Supplementary concepts

  • Short Qt Syndrome