Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. It is accompanied by
both structural and ion channel remodeling which underlie the propensity to perpetuate
AF. The prevalence of AF is expected to increase as population ages and as more
patients survival myocardial infarction. Despite pharmacological and nonpharmacological
(such as device) therapies for AF, more effective therapy is needed.
Ischemic or pharmacological conditioning offers a potential novel approach to patients
with AF. This review focused on the basic biology of ischemic pre- and postconditioning,
patho-physiology of AF, potentially novel AF treatment approach based on
conditioning, and clinical situations that may be amenable to a conditioning strategy.