Mechanisms of thrombogenesis in atrial fibrillation: Virchow's triad revisited.

The article presents an overview of the mechanisms involved with thrombogenesis in atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is associated with the the risk of stroke and thromboembolism. Abnormal changes in the vessel walls including endocardial denudation and aedematous or fibroelastic infiltration of the extracellular matrix are discussed. Changes in the blood constituents including haemostatic and platelet activation and inflammation and growth factor changes comprise Virchow's triad for thrombogenesis.