Finding our way in Translation:
Toward personalized stratification and treatment of patients progressing from paroxysmal to persistent AF
Atrial fibrillation is a progressive disease whose fundamental mechanisms are poorly understood and present treatments are inadequate. In this presentation, I will review current knowledge about mechanisms of AF progression and perpetuation. I will discuss recent results in a sheep model of long-standing persistent AF, which have helped us understand better the molecular mechanisms of AF-induced electrical remodeling and the dynamics of AF progression. I summarize also recent genomic and proteomic data that may shed light on possible mechanisms of AF-induced remodeling. Finally, I will present new evidence that, in humans, AF progression shows patient-specific patterns of atrial electrical remodeling, in that the rate of dominant frequency increase predicts the time at which AF stabilizes and becomes persistent which can be estimated using available remote-monitoring technology. Altogether, the results I will discuss strongly support the concept that monitoring the atrial electrical remodeling allows for stratification of patients progressing from paroxysmal to persistent atrial fibrillation, and provides new perspectives in personalized care of patients with AF.
The recorded seminar can be viewed here (CRC members login needed).
