Cardioversion and remodelling in atrial fibrillation: Insights beyond the prothrombotic state

摘要

Mounting evidence has confirmed the strong association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and the increased risk of stroke and thromboembolism. Whilst nonvalvular AF increases the risk of stroke and thromboembolism approximately 5-fold, valvular AF increases this risk up to 17-fold; indeed, as many as 15% of all strokes may be attributable to AF. The epidemic of AF clearly represents a significant healthcare and public health problem