Reports from University of Montreal Provide New Insights into Atrial Fibrillation (Daily Exposure To Chlordecone, an Organochlorine Pesticide, Increases Cardiac Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation Vulnerability).

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal in Canada has found that daily exposure to chlordecone, an organochlorine pesticide, increases the risk of cardiac fibrosis and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF). The study involved adult male Wistar rats who ingested different doses of chlordecone for four weeks, followed by a period of chlordecone withdrawal. The results showed that rats exposed to chlordecone had significantly increased vulnerability to AF and atrial conduction slowing compared to rats not exposed to chlordecone. Even after the withdrawal period, atrial fibrosis and inflammation remained higher in rats exposed to chlordecone. This research highlights the potential health risks associated with exposure to chlordecone and its impact on heart health. [Extracted from the article]