Identification of a Genetic Locus for Familial Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, the most common sustained cardiac-rhythm disturbance, affects over 2 million Americans and accounts for one third of all strokes in patients over 65 years of age. The molecular basis for atrial fibrillation is unknown, and palliative therapy is used to control the ventricular rate and prevent systemic emboli. We identified a family of 26 members of whom 10 had atrial fibrillation that segregated as an autosomal dominant disease. We subsequently identified two additional families in which the disease was linked to the same locus.