Atrial fibrillation progression: How sick is the atrium?

Abstract

After many years of lack of interest in the atrium by clinical cardiologists, the evidence of increased morbidity and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) relocated the atrium to a central position in cardiology more than 2 decades ago.1 First came the studies showing improved outcome with the use of anticoagulants; later, the ever-lasting controversy on rate vs rhythm control; and at present, new imaging techniques and new therapeutic tools to better define atrial remodeling and improve therapy...