Triggers for new-onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients

Inflammatory mediators encourage myocardial myofibroblast differentiation and subsequent accelerated fibrosis (Friedrichs et al., 2011). [...]inflammatory cascades and bacterial endotoxins can alter ion channel function, resulting in shortened action potential durations and increased risk of arrhythmia (Aoki et al., 2012). [...]the older, more comorbid patient is at higher risk of sustained NOAF during critical illness due to pre-existing remodelled substrate. [...]patients with higher blood pressure targets are at increased risk.