Introduction to the Series on Computational Approaches to Cardiac Arrhythmias

CIRCRESAHA: March 1, 2013

Of all the cardiac arrhythmias seen in clinical practice, atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. AF is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, dementia, and death. In developed nations overall prevalence of AF is 0.9% and the number of people affected is projected to more than double over the next 2 decades. VT/VF is the most important immediate cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Incidence of SCD is estimated to be 4 to 5 million cases per year worldwide. Read more