Atrial Fibrillation (AF or AFib)

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) which may present as a rapid, slow, or abnormal heart rate. These arrhythmias reduce the ability of the heart to efficiently pump blood and may lead to blood clots localized in the heart which can dislodge and increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Its name comes from the abnormal fibrillating (i.e., quivering) of the heart muscles of the atria instead of the normal coordinated contraction.

Atrial fibrillation is a global problem with worldwide prevalence of over 37 million cases, which is expected to further increase 60% by 2050.  Obesity and metabolic diseases represent significant risk factors for the development of atrial fibrillation and are partially responsible for the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with a significant morbidity and a substantial reduction of quality of life in some patients. The consequences of atrial fibrillation range from none to debilitating, including:

  • Exercise intolerance

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (fast heart rate causing heart muscle damage

  • Stroke (clots in the brain)

The risk of AFib can increase due to:

  • Obesity (obese individuals have an almost 50% increased risk for AF compared to nonobese)

  • Advancing age

  • Heart disease, heart failure, Ischemic heart disease

  • High blood pressure (which accounts for about 1 in 5 cases of AFib)

  • Chronic health conditions e.g. diabetes, chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, lung disease, sleep apnea

  • Drinking alcohol - moderate to heavy alcohol use, or binge drinking

  • Smoking

Atrial fibrillation contributes significant cost to the US healthcare system:

  • More than $26B cost to the US healthcare system

  • Approximately 1M annual ER visits

  • More than 50% of ER visits require hospitalization.

Atrial Fibrillation & SGK1:

Data from an obese mouse model with insulin resistance has demonstrated upregulation of SGK1 activity in the mouse atria and plays a role in the adverse pathological mechanisms associated with atrial arrhythmogenesis. Inhibition of SGK1, both genetically and now for the first time, pharmacologically with a Thryv SGK1 inhibitor, demonstrated a reduction in fibrotic signaling and a reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and resulted in reduced atrial fibrillation. With the recent success of SGLT2 inhibitors, which have also demonstrated reduced fibrotic signaling and inflammasome expression, possibly via SGK1-mediated pathways, Thryv is accelerating its efforts to bring a potent SGK1 inhibitor forward for the treatment and prevention of obesity-related paroxysmal atrial fibrillation where additional therapeutic options are needed.

If you are concerned about your personal health, please speak to a specialist or your healthcare provider urgently.