Atrial remodeling predicts the first cardiovascular diseases hospitalization in patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a dynamic process, characterized by progressive structural, architectural, contractile, and/or electrophysiological remodeling that affects the atria [1]. ACM is present in the majority of patients with persistent forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) and is believed to link with the etiology of AF [1]. Interestingly, ACM is considered an early marker of AF. There is also emerging evidence that shows ACM increases the risk for ischemic stroke, beyond what would be attributed to AF alone [2].