Atrial fibrillation: In the light of new hypothesis

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Many studies have investigated the cause for the development of AF, however, the question remains unanswered.MethodsA comparison of hydrodynamics between AF and sinus rhythm was performed.ResultsI proposed the hypothesis that atrial fibrillation is a protective physiological mechanism, based on the termination of atrial mechanical systole. This reduces the pressure in the system of the pulmonary veins and alveolar capillaries in pathological situations, and thus reduces the likelihood for development of pulmonary congestion and edema.ConclusionsThe hypothesis is well correlated with the known facts and phenomenons associated with AF, and explains the causes of the onset of AF in different conditions and diseases.