Left Atrial Myopathy in Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Clinical Implications, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Targets.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses the mechanisms, clinical implications, and treatments of left atrial (LA) myopathy in comorbid atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) across the spectrum of ejection fraction. RECENT FINDINGS: AF and HF are highly comorbid conditions. Left atrial (LA) myopathy, characterized by impairments in LA structure, function, or electrical conduction, plays a fundamental role in the development of both AF and HF with preserved ejection fraction (AF-HFpEF) along with AF and HF with reduced ejection fraction (AF-HFrEF). While the nature of LA myopathy in AF-HFpEF is unique from that of AF-HFrEF, LA myopathy also leads to progression of both of these conditions. There may be a vulnerable cohort of AF-HF patients who have a disproportionate degree of LA myopathy compared with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Further investigations are required to identify therapies to improve LA function in this cohort.