Atrial Refractory Period Dispersion and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common clinical arrhythmias,and has a high rate of morbidity and mortality.There are many hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation.Atrial electrical remodeling,which involves the shortening of the atrial effective refractory period,an increase of the atrial effective refractory period dispersion,and a slowing of the electrical conduction,has been proven to promote the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation.This article reviews the relationship between the atrial effective refractory period dispersion and atrial fibrillation and factors influencing the former.