Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Abstract
Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality whose costs impose staggering health-care costs and often lengthy hospitalizations. Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) represents a leading cause for heart failure, particularly after cardiac and lung surgeries. Although PAOF is a common cardiac arrhythmia, it is impossible to predict. As the worldwide population is aging, the incidence and prevalence of PAOF is growing. Identifying mechanisms for PAOF is attracting a considerable amount of research with no agreement on the mechanism(s). Our research on the heart and cardiovascular system, over the past 50-plus years, leads us to believe that major causes of PAOF may be an underlying magnesium deficiency (MgD) coupled to a generation/release of ceramides and platelet-activating factor (PAF). Herein, we review reasons behind our hypothesis and suggestions for testing its validity.
Recommended Citation
Altura, B. M., Shah, N. C., Shah, G. J., Perez-Albela, J. L., & Altura, B. T. (2016). Why is postoperative atrial fibrillation difficult to prevent and treat: Potential roles of unrecognized magnesium deficiency and release of ceramide and platelet-activating factor. International Journal of Surgery and Research, 3(3), 47-51.
Publisher's Statement
Originally published in the International Journal of Surgery and Research, 3(3), 47-51. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. This material can be found here.
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