Utilizing biomarkers associated with cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation: informing a precision medicine response

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorder, which currently affects 1–2% of the global population. Furthermore, the incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation is rising. Biomarkers have the potential to improve clinical management of patients and therefore reduce the burden on health systems in the future. Areas covered: A variety of pathways and mechanisms have been associated with atrial fibrillation. This paper provides an overview of a range of blood-based, imaging and genetic biomarkers that are associated with mechanisms and outcomes in atrial fibrillation and their potential use in a clinical setting. Expert commentary: Atrial fibrillation is becoming increasingly prevalent. Current biomarkers associated with atrial fibrillation such as those involved in myocardial stress, inflammation, hemostasis and fibrosis do not currently provide much additional practical value beyond recommended scores based only on clinical risk factors.