Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Atrial Fibrillation A review

Abstract

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two conditions with an increased incidence and prevalence. Numerous studies highlight the pathophysiological links between HFpEF and AF and the common risk factors. Patients with HFpEF have a high incidence of AF. It is difficult to determine which of the pathologies appears first: HFpEF or AF. In HFpEF, left atrium suffers a structural and functional remodelling process, which contributes to the occurrence of AF. Also, AF determines dyastolic dysfunction, the main mechanism for HFpEF development. The diagnosis of HFpEF in the presence of AF is more difficult, because the symptoms of HF resemble those of AF. Also, the presence of AF makes more difficult the correct echocardiographic evaluation of patients with HF. More research is needed in order to develop new therapies that can improve the prognosis of patients with HFpEF and AF.