As the most common cardiac arrythmia, atrial fibrillation is of interest to physicians, and has recently been shown to have genetic components. Gudjbartsson et al. have conducted a genome-wide association scan in populations from around the globe, and find a strong link to a gene involved in early heart development. This gene, PITX2, could be a candidate for therapeutic intervention.
- Daniel F. Gudbjartsson
- David O. Arnar
- Kari Stefansson