Unique role of epicardial adipose tissue in atrial fibrosis: ‘Atrial remodeling of a new sort’

Pivotal studies over the last few decades have identified the important role of electrical and structural remodeling in different atrial fibrillation (AF) substrates.1 More recently, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has emerged as an important pro-arrhythmic substrate for AF and may in part explain the clinical association between obesity and AF.2, 3 Expansion of EAT, which often occurs as a consequence of weight gain, has been shown to predict greater risk for AF development and severity, as well as poorer outcomes following rhythm control strategies.

Source: Heart Rhythm - July 2, 2018 Category: Cardiology Authors: Thomas A. Agbaedeng, Dominik Linz, Dennis H. Lau, Prashanthan Sanders Source Type: research