Epidemiology and Mechanism of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter

A trial fibrillation (AF) has been recognized as a common arrhythmia since it was first described electrocardiographically in 1909.[1]In recent years it has become apparent that it is a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality. It is the most common cause of embolic stroke, accounting for approximately 75,000 strokes per year in the United States,[2]and leads to more hospital admissions than any other arrhythmia (Fig. 1).[3]In addition to causing symptoms of dizziness and dyspnea, AF may precipitate heart failure, syncope, angina, and myocardial infarction, and may trigger ventricular arrhythmias in susceptible individuals.