Atrial Fibrillation and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease - Controversies and Challenges

Title:Atrial Fibrillation and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease - Controversies and Challenges

Volume: 21 Issue: 26

Author(s): Mariana Floria, Oana Barboi, Ciprian Rezus, Valentin Ambarus, Cristina Cijevschi-Prelipcean, Gheorghe Balan and Vasile Liviu Drug

Affiliation:

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, inflammation, vagal stimulation.

Abstract: Atrial fibrillation and gastro-oesophageal reflux are common manifestations in daily practice. The atria and the oesophagus are closely located and have similar nerve innervations. Over the last years, it has been observed that atrial fibrillation development and reflux disease could be related. Atrial fibrillation occurrence could be due to vagal nerve overstimulation. This, in association with vagal nerve-mediated parasympathetic stimulation, has also been observed in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux. These mechanisms, in addition to inflammation, seem to be implicated in the pathophysiology of both diseases. Despite these associations supported by clinical and experimental studies, this relationship is still considered controversial. This review summarizes critical data regarding the association of gastro-oesophageal reflux and atrial fibrillation as well as their clinical implications.

Cite this article as:

Floria Mariana, Barboi Oana, Rezus Ciprian, Ambarus Valentin, Cijevschi-Prelipcean Cristina, Balan Gheorghe and Drug Liviu Vasile, Atrial Fibrillation and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease - Controversies and Challenges, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2015; 21 (26) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612821666150319100003