Ionic Mechanisms of Atrial Fibrillation
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia and involves irregular and extremely rapid activation of the atria (approx 400 beats per min [bpm]; ref. 1 ). The prevalence of AF increases with age, with an incidence of 0.5% in patients less than 50 yr of age and an incidence of more than 5% in patients greater than 65 yr of age (2 ,3 ). AF is associated with an increased risk of death and is an important cause of stroke in the elderly population (2 ,4 ). Stroke is more common in the AF population as a result of the high atrial activation rate that compromises contractility and the increased likelihood that thrombus will form in the relatively static pool of atrial blood. Emboli can then break away and travel to the brain.
