Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia managed in clinical practice, and it is linked to an increased risk of death, stroke, and peripheral embolism. The Global Burden of Disease shows that the estimated prevalence of AF is up to 33.5 million patients. So far, successful therapeutic techniques have been implemented, with a high health-care cost burden. As a result, identifying modifiable risk factors for AF and suitable preventive measures may play a significant role in enhancing community health and lowering health-care system expenditures. Several mechanisms, including electrical and structural remodeling of atrial tissue, have been proposed to contribute to the development of AF. This review article discusses the predisposing factors in AF including the different pathogenic mechanisms, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary habits, as well as the potential genetic burden.
Highlights
Over the past hundred years, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the arrhythmia that has been studied the most among all other heart rhythm disorders, leading to valuable conclusions [1]
It is epidemiologically proven that AF is correlated to several factors that either individually or in combination promote the initial development of the arrhythmia and the episodes that characterize the disease [5,6]
Arterial hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus and genetic factors have been confirmed by the Framingham studies to be significant predisposing factors of the disease, while multiple dietary components seem to play a protective role reducing the occurrence of AF [7,8,9]
Summary
Over the past hundred years, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the arrhythmia that has been studied the most among all other heart rhythm disorders, leading to valuable conclusions [1]. The prevalence of AF ranges from 2% in the general population to 10–12% in those aged 80 and older [2]. It is the most common arrhythmia in humans, and incidence increases with advancing age [2]. Atrial fibrosis has emerged as a significant pathophysiological component, with links to AF recurrences, resistance to medication, and complications [3]. The present review summarizes the role of specific risk factors and pathophysiological mechanism in the development and perpetuation of the arrhythmia
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