Open AccessUpdate on atrial fibrillation
Author(s) -
Mohammad Shenasa,
Hossein Shenasa,
Mona Soleimanieh
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the egyptian heart journal /the egyptian heart journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.212
H-Index - 9
eISSN - 2090-911X
pISSN - 1110-2608
DOI - 10.1016/j.ehj.2014.03.004
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , stroke (engine) , asymptomatic , heart failure , etiology , catheter ablation , cardiology , valvular heart disease , heart disease , population , disease , intensive care medicine , incidence (geometry) , mechanical engineering , physics , environmental health , optics , engineering
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in clinical practices with significant morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic burden. Its prevalence and incidence are on the rise due to an increase in population age. AF has complex electrophysiological mechanisms, etiology and natural history and thus management is a challenge. More than 80% of cases in AF are related to an underlying structural heart disease. Stroke and congestive heart failure remain the most significant complications of AF. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, duration and type of AF, structural heart disease and non-cardiac comorbidities, several management options are currently available. Asymptomatic AF carries similar risks as symptomatic AF. Rate control approach in majority of cases especially elderly patients is reasonable. Novel anticoagulation agents have shifted the paradigm in stroke prevention and management in patients with AF.Catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF in patients with no to minimal structural heart disease who have failed at least one antiarrhythmic agent appears reasonable