AFRJMS African Research Journal of Medical Sciences 3006-7421 Bioscience Press afrjms-3-1-001 10.62587/AFRJMS.1.1.2024.1-12 Review Article Understanding the impact of left atrial epicardial adipose tissue thickness on atrial fibrillation: A literature review FahimiBehzad 1 * BeikmohammadiSomayeh 2 1Academic Heart Center Duisburg, Duisburg, Nordrhein Westfallen, Germany. E-mail: behzadfahimi@gmail.com 2Academic Hospital Elisabeth-Krankenhaus, Essen, Nordrhein Westfallen, Germany. E-mail: soman10620@gmail.com *Corresponding author: Behzad Fahimi, Academic Heart Center Duisburg, Duisburg, Nordrhein Westfallen, Germany. E-mail: behzadfahimi@gmail.com 01 2024 1 1 1 12 Abstract

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT), particularly in the left atrium, has garnered attention in the pathophysiology of AF. This review aims to provide an overview of the association between the thickness of left atrial epicardial adipose tissue (LA- EAT) and the incidence of AF, while exploring the arrhythmogenic effects of LA-EAT and the impact of epicardial fat tissue changes with age and in pathological conditions. A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted, and relevant studies were selected based on their inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that increased LA-EAT thickness is associated with an elevated risk of AF, potentially mediated through inflammatory and proarrhythmic effects. Age-related changes in epicardial fat tissue and alterations in pathological conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, further contribute to the development and progression of AF. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these mechanisms and their clinical implications.

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