Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmias. This review article highlights the problem of the development of atrial fibrillation in individuals engaged in physical activity and sports. Predisposing factors, causes, and development mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes from the perspective of the authors are described. Methods of treatment, as well as prevention of thromboembolic complications, are discussed. Directions for further studies of this problem and prevention of complications are proposed.
Keywords: Cardiomyopathy; PET; SPECT; athletes; atrial fibrillation; echocardiography; myocardial stiffness; oral anticoagulants; over-training syndrome; pathological athlete heart.