Role of autonomic nervous system in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The autonomic nervous system has a significant role in the milieu predisposing to the triggers, perpetuators and substrate for atrial fibrillation. It has direct electrophysiological effects and causes alterations in atrial structure. In a significant portion of patients with atrial fibrillation, the autonomic nervous system activity is likely a composite of reflex excitation due to atrial fibrillation itself and contribution of concomitant risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and sleep-disordered breathing.
Source: International Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research