Atrial fibrillation is increasingly recognized as part of a spectrum of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, closely interrelated with other atrial tachyarrhythmias and congestive heart failure.
A trial fibrillation (AF) is a common clinical problem that is increasing in prevalence 1 and is inextricably linked to another burgeoning cardiovascular problem, namely, congestive heart failure. 2 There is increasing evidence that AF, at least in some population subsets, may be part of a spectrum of atherosclerotic vascular disease, hypertension, inflammation, diastolic dysfunction, and the metabolic syndromes. AF is part of a family of atrial tachyarrhythmias (Figure A panel of experts has recently characterized the definition and position of AF within this group of tachyarrhythmias. 3 Nonetheless, this family of tachyarrhythmias is closely interrelated, and the individual tachyarrhythmias often coexist in the same patient. Although the present discussion focuses on AF, many of the points made with regard to AF apply to these other tachyarrhythmias to varying degrees.
Wyse et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is increasingly recognized as part of a spectrum of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, closely interrelated with other atrial tachyarrhythmias and congestive heart failure.