Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2010 Apr;6(2):239-47.
doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2009.12.004.

Genetics of atrial fibrillation

Steven A Lubitz  1 , B Alexander Yi, Patrick T Ellinor
Affiliations
Review

Genetics of atrial fibrillation

Steven A Lubitz et al. Heart Fail Clin. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Recent studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have identified mutations in a series of ion channels; however, these mutations appear to be relatively rare causes of AF. A genome-wide association study has identified novel variants on chromosome 4 associated with AF, although the mechanism of action for these variants remains unknown. Ultimately, a greater understanding of the genetics of AF should yield insights into novel pathways, therapeutic targets, and diagnostic testing for this common arrhythmia.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Both gain of function and loss of function mutations in IKs have been associated with AF. Mutations in KCNQ1 and KCNE2 increase the current IKs, which is predicted to shorten the action potential (dashed line) in cardiac myocytes and render atrial myocytes susceptible to reentrant arrhythmias. Mutations in KCNA5 (Kv1.5) that are predicted to prolong the action potential duration (dotted line) have also been associated with AF.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Miyasaka Y, Barnes ME, Gersh BJ, et al. Secular trends in incidence of atrial fibrillation in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1980 to 2000, and implications on the projections for future prevalence. Circulation. 2006;114(2):119–25. - PubMed
    1. Go AS, Hylek EM, Phillips KA, et al. Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults: national implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention: the AnTicoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) Study. JAMA. 2001;285(18):2370–5. - PubMed
    1. Coyne KS, Paramore C, Grandy S, et al. Assessing the direct costs of treating nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in the United States. Value Health. 2006;9(5):348–56. - PubMed
    1. Benjamin EJ, Wolf PA, D’Agostino RB, et al. Impact of atrial fibrillation on the risk of death: the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation. 1998;98(10):946–52. - PubMed
    1. Gajewski J, Singer RB. Mortality in an insured population with atrial fibrillation. JAMA. 1981;245(15):1540–4. - PubMed

Publication types