Atrial Fibrillation and Left Ventricle Dysfunction Relationship (New Concept)

Abstract

Aim: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The numerous researches about the causes, the mechanism of its development and its links with other diseases have not given definite answers to these many questions. I propose a hypothesis which can explain the reason for the development of AF, its correlation with various diseases and the interpretations of the well- known facts and phenomena associated with this arrhythmia. Methods and results: The hypothesis results from the comparison of the hydrodynamics of the sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. According to this hypothesis AF is not a disease, but the protective physiological mechanism. In the conditions of left ventricle dysfunction/heart failure, the termination of the atrial mechanical systole reduces hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary veins and alveolar capillaries which then reduces danger of pulmonary congestion. The hypothesis allows to build the algorithms of the relations between AF and various diseases. Conclusion: The hypothesis suggested that AF is a physiological protective mechanism that is activated in the conditions of LV dysfunction.