From paroxysmal to chronic atrial fibrillation
Frost, L.; Lund, B.; Christiansen, E.H.; Husted, S.E.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 160(7): 1001-1005
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 9477747 Document Number: 485028
Chronic atrial fibrillation is by definition always preceded by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The electropathophysiological mechanisms underlying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are reviewed: atrial electrophysiological inhomogeneity, atrial ectopic activity, and cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Safe and effective interventions that prevent the progression from paroxysmal into chronic atrial fibrillation have not yet been developed. Such developments should be given high priority, as the consequences of chronic atrial fibrillation--stroke and heart failure--are unacceptable.