title: An introduction to murine models of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Understanding the mechanism of re-entrant arrhythmias in the past 30 years has allowed the development of almost curative therapies for many rhythm disturbances. The complex, polymorphic arrhythmias of atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden death are, unfortunately, not yet well understood, and hence still in need of adequate therapy. AF contributes markedly to morbidity and mortality in aging Western populations. In the past decade, many genetically altered murine models have been described and characterized. Here, we review genetically altered murine models of AF; powerful tools that will enable a better understanding of the mechanisms of AF and the assessment of novel therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Genna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Fahima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Syeda
authors.forename: Paulus
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kirchhof
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fabritz