Atrial Fibrillation and Diabetes Mellitus: Dangerous Liaisons or Innocent Bystanders?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults and diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between both pathologies has not been fully documented and new evidence supports the existence of direct and independent links. In the myocardium, a combination of structural, electrical, and autonomic remodeling may lead to AF.