Pathophysiology of the pulmonary vein as an atrial fibrillation initiator

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2003 Jul;26(7 Pt 2):1576-82. doi: 10.1046/j.1460-9592.2003.t01-1-00235.x.

Abstract

The basic electrophysiologic studies have proved the arrhythmogenic mechanisms of the pulmonary vein as an atrial fibrillation initiator; the mechanisms include enhanced automaticity, triggered activity, and microreentry from myocardial sleeves inside pulmonary veins. Immunohistology study has proved the conduction characteristics of pulmonary vein myocardium, and further study of ionic currents are important for understanding atrial fibrillation initiation from the pulmonary vein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atrial Fibrillation / pathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology*
  • Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
  • Cardiovascular Agents / pharmacology
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Pulmonary Veins / drug effects
  • Pulmonary Veins / pathology
  • Pulmonary Veins / physiopathology*
  • Vagus Nerve / physiology

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Ion Channels