Summary

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a 4- to 5-fold increased risk of stroke, a doubling of the risk for dementia, a tripling of the risk for heart failure (HF), and a 40% to 90% increased risk of overall mortality [Benjamin EJ et al. Circulation 2009]. By 2050, it is estimated that the number of persons with AF in the United States will exceed 10 million [Miyasaka Y et al. Circulation 2006]. This article discusses the relationship between the left atrial appendage (LAA) and AF.