Angiogenesis in Atrial Fibrillation: A Literature Review

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia, is characterized by chaotic atrial electrical activity and currently affects an estimated 2.5-3.5% of the global population. Its pathogenesis involves ion channel dysfunction, inflammatory cascades, and structural remodeling processes, notably fibrosis. Angiogenesis, the physiological/pathological process of new blood vessel formation, plays a multifaceted role in AF progression. This review synthesizes evidence highlighting angiogenesis's dual role in AF pathogenesis: while excessive or dysregulated angiogenesis promotes atrial remodeling through fibrosis, and electrical dysfunction via VEGF, ANGPT, and FGF signaling pathways, compensatory angiogenesis exerts protective effects by improving tissue perfusion to alleviate ischemia and inflammation. Therapeutically, targeting angiogenic pathways-particularly VEGF-represents a promising strategy for modulating structural remodeling; however, non-selective VEGF inhibition raises safety concerns due to cardiovascular toxicity, necessitating cautious exploration. Emerging evidence highlights that anti-cancer agents (e.g., ibrutinib, bevacizumab) impair endothelial homeostasis and elevate AF risk, underscoring the need for cardio-oncology frameworks to optimize risk-benefit ratios. Preclinical studies on angiogenesis inhibitors and gene therapies provide mechanistic insights, but clinical validation remains limited. Future research should prioritize elucidating mechanistic complexities, developing biomarker refinement, and implementing interdisciplinary strategies integrating single-cell sequencing with cardio-oncology principles. This review emphasizes the imperative to clarify angiogenic mechanisms, optimize therapeutic strategies, and balance pro-arrhythmic versus compensatory angiogenesis, in pursuit of personalized AF management.

Keywords: VEGF; angiogenesis; atrial fibrillation; fibrosis; therapeutic targeting.

Figure 1

The putative role of angiogenesis in atrial fibrillation (AF). Angiogenesis in AF has a complex, context-dependent role with both pathogenic and protective effects. The net effect likely depends on the balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic signaling pathways, modulated by the prevailing pathophysiological microenvironment.