This paper discusses the evolving concept of atrial myopathy by presenting how it develops and affects the properties of the atria. It also reviews the complex relationships between atrial myopathy, atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. Finally, it discusses how to apply the concept of atrial myopathy in the clinical setting–to identify patients with atrial myopathy, and to be more selective in anticoagulation in a subset of patients with AF.

Editors

Editor-in-Chief
Douglas L. Mann, MD, FACC

CME Editor
L. Kristin Newby, MD, FACC

Authors
Amanda Coniglio, MD
Michelle Kelsey, MD
Vishal Rao, MD

CME Information

Target Audience
JACC Journal CME/MOC/ECME is intended for physicians who treat patients with cardiovascular disease.

Important Dates
Date of Release: September 23, 2019
Term of Approval/Date of CME/MOC/ECME Expiration: September 22, 2020

Learner Objectives
After reading this article the reader should be able to:

• Describe the factors contributing to stroke risk in atrial fibrillation.
• Explain the indications and contraindications for treatment of atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic medication and catheter ablation.
• Discuss the stages and characteristics of atrial myopathy.

Method of Participation and Claiming Credit
This ACCF JACC Journals CME/MOC/ECME activity includes the reading of an article published in one of the JACC journals and the successful completion of self-assessment questions.  

Requesting AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™ and/or MOC or ECME credit for this Activity
To request credit, you must:

• Read the article for which you wish to receive credit.
• Answer the self-assessment questions. You need to have achieved a passing score of 70% or better in order for the Evaluation link to become activated. If you did not achieve a passing score, please click on the Posttest link in the left navigation bar and retake the exam.
• After you complete the Evaluation, click on the Claim Credit button in the left navigation bar.
• For CME or COP credit, enter the total amount of time you actually spent in the activity in the box provided. Please note that you may only claim once for this activity. Click Claim. 
• For MOC credit, click the Claim button in the row for MOC. Please note that you may only claim once for this activity. Confirm your ABIM number and date of birth.
• For ECME credit, click the Claim button in the row for ECME.  Please note that you may only claim once for this activity.  Enter date of birth and click Submit.  
• The page will be updated with the date and time that you claimed your credit.
• To view your credit, or to print a certificate, please go to ACC.org and navigate to the My Transcript section of My ACC.

This CME/MOC/ECME-certified activity may contain links to other educational resources such as clinical trial summaries, journal articles, guidelines, etc., that may not be CME/MOC/ECME certified. Please note that clicking on the links provided to view these resources will open new windows, which are outside of this CME/MOC/ECME-certified activity.