Molecular mechanisms in atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common, significant clinical arrhythmia, yet relatively little is known about the primary etiology of this condition and it remains difficult to treat or prevent. Atrial fibrillation induces remodeling of atrial myocytes that in turn helps to sustain the arrhythmia and increases susceptibility to recurrence. Recent work suggests that atrial fibrillation is a heterogeneous syndrome but subsets with specific etiologies are beginning to be uncovered. Identification of the discrete causes of atrial fibrillation will enable the development of targeted strategies for the prevention and treatment of this morbid disorder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]