title: Atrial fibrillation: a historical perspective.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has undoubtedly become one of the most well-studied arrhythmias today in terms of pathophysiology and diagnostic and therapeutic (interventional) electrophysiology. Although it lends itself to an apparently easy diagnosis on the surface electrocardiography, myriad electromechanical mechanisms underlie its origin. We have now reached an era of technology that makes AF not only "treatable" but potentially "curable." This article aims at walking through the historical "corridors" and "mazes" that led to the present day understanding of this common yet complex arrhythmia.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute, Sparrow Health System, Michigan State University, 405 West Greenlawn, Suite 400, Lansing, MI 48910, USA.
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khasnis
authors.forename: Ranjan K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Thakur
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D002309:Cardiology / Q000266:history*; D003935:Diagnostic Techniques, Cardiovascular / Q000266:history; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D011173:Portraits as Topic
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents