Atrial fibrillation and endothelial dysfunction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most clinically encountered arrhythmia and AF patients suffer from higher risk of stroke and systemic embolism. AF can induce endothelial dysfunction(ED) through various mechanisms, including inflammation reaction, oxidative stress, renal-angiotensin system activation and hemodynamic changes. Varieties of endothelial biomarkers are closely correlated with AF. ED can significantly affect AF's occurrence and progress. This article reviews the complex relationship between AF and ED.