Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen |
2017
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults. Many studies have reported an association between atrial fibrillation and other cardiac diseases including sudden cardiac death (SCD).
An increased incidence of AF has been described in patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arterial hypertension. These conditions share some pathophysiological mechanisms with atrial fibrillation, which is, reciprocally, one of their risk factors.
As a result, mortality is 2-4 fold higher in individuals with AF. Risk stratification, optimization of therapy, and screening for subclinical structural heart disease play an important role in the care of patients with atrial fibrillation.