A Comprehensive Review of Atrial Infarction

Abstract

Atrial infarction is often undiagnosed in patients with underlying ischemic heart disease and is identified only later, upon autopsy. One of the main challenges in diagnosing the condition is its localization within the affected atria. Treatment of atrial infarction focuses on acute reperfusion therapy, long-term management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, consideration of antiarrhythmia medications, and anticoagulation therapy. This review covers the anatomy of the atrial vasculature, complications associated with atrial infarction, diagnostic criteria for use of electrocardiography and other imaging modalities, and overall prognosis and management.

Keywords

• myocardial infarction
• arrhythmias, cardiac
• atrial function