Atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular disorder, representing a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in the young and a prevalent cause of heart failure and stroke. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently associated with HCM with a reported prevalence of about 20% to 25%. AF genesis is multifactorial, mostly genetically determined or secondary to hemodynamic alterations. AF has also a negative impact on HCM patients' prognosis because it may lead to an increased incidence of heart failure or stroke. We currently have several strategies which can be used during atrial fibrillation episodes and to prevent the arrhythmic recurrences.