Mechanism of development of atrial fibrillation in chest infections
Chest infections can cause atrial fibrillation in 3 ways:
- By inducing a stress response which increases the sympathetic tone
- Increased sympathetic tone can precipitate atrial fibrillation (AF)
- Hypoxia leading to increased pulmonary resistance
- This results in pulmonary hypertension and atrial dilatation
- Atrial dilatation can lead to AF
- Direct involvement of the atria
