Autoimmune and inflammatory K+-channelopathies in cardiac arrhythmias: clinical evidence and molecular mechanisms.

Cardiac K+-channelopathies account for a significant proportion of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in subjects without structural heart disease. It is well recognized that genetic defects are key factors in many cases and in practice, the term cardiac channelopathies currently coincides with that of inherited cardiac channelopathies. However, mounting evidence demonstrate that not only genetic alterations but also autoimmune and inflammatory factors can cause cardiac K+-channel dysfunction and arrhythmias in the setting of a structurally normal heart.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research