The field of molecular genetics has rapidly expanded and is becoming increasingly important in the area of cardiac electrophysiology. The genetic basis of cardiac conduction disturbances and arrhythmogenesis is now recognized as a critical factor in disease pathology. Inherited structural and electrical heart diseases are being elucidated using molecular biological approaches, with differentiation of gene-specific diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutics. Unique genetically-engineered animal models of hereditary arrhythmias and heart disease are being developed and utilized for detailed...

The molecular basis for atrial fibrillation continues to be largely unknown, and therapy remains unchanged, aimed at controlling the heart rate and preventing systemic emboli with anticoagulation. Familial atrial fibrillation is more common than previously suspected. While atrial fibrillation is commonly associated with acquired heart disease, a significant proportion of individuals have early onset without other forms of heart disease, referred to as "lone" atrial fibrillators. It is also well recognized that atrial fibrillation occurs on a reversible or functional basis, without associated...