title: A novel explanation for the cause of atrial fibrillation seen in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease: "downstream inflammation" hypothesis.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is a frequent arrhythmia, and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease remains as the most common etiological factor underlying atrial fibrillation, along with systemic hypertension. The relationship between uncomplicated coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation is not explained satisfactorily. Inflammation is now recognized as an important pathogenetic mechanism for both disorders. We hypothesise that inflammation originated from atherosclerotic coronary arteries may disseminate downstream to atrial tissue and initiate or stabilize atrial fibrillation. Studies conducted with drugs bearing anti-inflammatory properties such as hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors decrease frequency of both conditions. Such a relationship may become a novel therapeutic target to prevent this arrhythmia or decrease the frequency of paroxysms.
authors: Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Istanbul, Turkey. TSGuvenc@gmail.com
authors: Tolga Sinan
authors: TS
authors: Güvenç
authors: Erkan
authors: E
authors: Ilhan
authors: Hakan
authors: H
authors: Hasdemir
authors: Seçkin
authors: S
authors: Satilmiş
authors: Ahmet Taha
authors: AT
authors: Alper
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies