Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Atrial fibrillation – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350630

  The goals of atrial fibrillation treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. […] Treatment may involve: Medicine. Therapy to reset the heart rhythm, called cardioversion. Surgery or catheter procedures. […] Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medicines to do the following: Control the speed of the heartbeat. Restore the heart rhythm. Prevent blood clots, a dangerous complication of AFib. […] If atrial fibrillation symptoms are bothersome or if this is the first AFib episode, a doctor may try to reset the heart rhythm using a procedure called cardioversion. […] Atrioventricular (AV) node ablation uses heat energy, called radiofrequency energy, to destroy the area between the upper and lower heart chambers. […] If AFib doesn’t get better with medicine or other treatments, a procedure called cardiac ablation may be necessary.

• #2 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Risk-Management Decisions, Management of New-Onset AF

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/151066-treatment

  The cornerstones of atrial fibrillation (AF) management are rate control and anticoagulation and rhythm control for those symptomatically limited by AF. […] The clinical decision to use a rhythm-control or rate-control strategy requires an integrated consideration of several factors, including degree of symptoms, likelihood of successful cardioversion, presence of comorbidities, and candidacy for AF ablation (eg, catheter-based pulmonary vein electric isolation or surgical ablation). […] Restoration of sinus rhythm with regularization of the heart’s rhythm improves cardiac hemodynamics and exercise tolerance. […] By maintaining the atrial contribution to cardiac output, symptoms of heart failure and overall quality of life can improve. […] As AF contributes to pathologic atrial and ventricular remodeling, restoration of sinus rhythm can slow or, in some cases, reverse atrial dilatation and left ventricular dysfunction.

• #3 How Are Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Options Determined? | American Heart Association

  https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation/treatment-options-of-atrial-fibrillation-afib-or-af

  Guidelines from 2023 explain how to diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). […] AFib treatment can include medications, nonsurgical procedures and surgery. […] The guidelines also highlight three topics for you and your health care professionals to discuss. You can remember them with the abbreviation SOS: […] Symptom management using medications or procedures that manage your heart’s rate and rhythm. Controlling your heart rhythm early is important for AFib treatment. […] Treatments will vary based on your diagnosis and may include: […] In most cases, AFib can be treated with medications that manage the heart’s rhythm and/or slow the heart rate. Procedures such as electrical cardioversion and ablation can also help manage AFib. […] You can manage AFib better by: […] Taking medications as prescribed […] Making smart lifestyle choices.

• #4 Atrial fibrillation | Heart and Stroke Foundation

  https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/atrial-fibrillation

  Your treatment will be based on your risks, medical profile, needs, preferences and how much symptoms are interfering with your quality of life. […] There are two general treatment strategies rate control and rhythm control. Your doctor will determine which strategy is best for you based on your symptoms and other factors. […] Almost every patient with atrial fibrillation will be prescribed a medication to slow their heart rate. For some people, this type of medication is enough to control their symptoms. […] This is an attempt to prevent an irregular heartbeat by restoring and maintaining a normal, regular heartbeat. The first step is medication to prevent the Afib from occurring. Some patients may also require electrical cardioversion. This is a controlled electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. On rare occasions medications and electrical cardioversion do not work. You may be referred to a specialist and considered for an electrophysiology study and catheter ablation to stop the Afib from recurring.

• #5 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Risk-Management Decisions, Management of New-Onset AF

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/151066-treatment

  For these reasons, most clinicians focus initially on restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with new-onset AF and opt for a rate-control strategy only when rhythm control fails. […] However, several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that a strategy aimed at restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm neither improves survival nor reduces the risk of stroke in patients with AF. […] In the AFFIRM study (Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management), an insignificant trend toward increased mortality was noted in the rate control group, and importantly, no evidence suggested that the rhythm-control strategy protected patients from stroke. […] This underscores the importance of anticoagulation in both rhythm-control and rate-control patients. […] New developments aimed at curing AF are being explored actively.

• #6 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment (Afib) | UVA Health

  https://uvahealth.com/services/heart-rhythm/atrial-fibrillation-afib

  Afib treatment is complex. There is no one-size-fits-all. […] Atrial fibrillation treatment helps: Lower your stroke risk, Control your heart rate, Restore a normal heart rhythm. […] Treatment depends on your age, how bad it is, and what caused your afib. Your care team may ask you to take medication to prevent blood clots. […] Treatment might involve: Rate-control strategy (using medicine or procedures to control how fast your heart beats), Rhythm-control strategy (keeping the rhythm steady using ablation or cardioversion). […] Afib patients with a higher risk of stroke may want a heart device. […] After an ablation procedure at UVA Health, Bob was able to get back on his bike and live out his dream of riding across the country.

• #7 Current Treatment Options in Atrial Fibrillation—A Changing Paradigm | USC Journal

  https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/current-treatment-options-atrial-fibrillation-changing-paradigm-0?language_content_entity=en

  The approach to the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular disorders has undergone remarkable change over the past two decades. […] The cardiology community is currently in the process of another set of changes in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). […] AF is the most common arrhythmia in the US, affecting more than 2.2 million Americans, with a higher propensity in the elderly. […] The ever-aging population will need and demand improved therapy for AF. […] There are two fundamental approaches to the management of AF: re-establishing and maintaining sinus rhythm (rhythm control); and controlling ventricular rate with atrioventricular node blocking agents (rate control). […] Historically, AF was treated with rate control. […] The benefits of sinus rhythm included decreasing symptoms, improved cardiac output and exercise capacity, and reduced risk for stroke.

• #8 Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis And Treatment – Heart Foundation NZ

  https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/hearthelp/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment

  Find out how doctors diagnose atrial fibrillation (AF) and learn about the treatments used to prevent complications and manage AF symptoms. […] There are two important reasons for treating atrial fibrillation. […] Atrial fibrillation treatment differs from person to person depending on: the underlying cause of your AF, your symptoms, the length of time you’ve had AF, any other health conditions. […] In most cases, atrial fibrillation can be managed successfully by your GP but sometimes hospital treatment is needed. […] Your doctor may recommend an anticoagulant or blood thinning medicine to lower your risk of stroke by preventing the formation of blood clots. […] The decision to start any blood thinning agents is considered very carefully for each individual. […] There are two general classes of anticoagulant that can be taken in tablet form: non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) or warfarin.

• #9 Atrial Fibrillation – Treatment | NHLBI, NIH

  https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atrial-fibrillation/treatment

  Atrial fibrillation is treated with lifestyle changes, medicines, and procedures, including surgery, to help prevent blood clots, slow your heartbeat, or restore your hearts normal rhythm. […] Your healthcare provider may consider treating your atrial fibrillation with medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming and medicines that work by slowing your heart rate or by restoring your hearts normal rhythm. […] Your provider may recommend a procedure, especially if lifestyle changes and medicine alone do not improve your symptoms. Typically, your provider will consider a surgical procedure to treat your atrial fibrillation only if you will be having surgery to treat some other heart condition.

• #10 Atrial fibrillation – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624

  Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm. AFib can lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. […] Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medicines, therapy to shock the heart back to a regular rhythm and procedures to block faulty heart signals. […] Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

• #11 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Risk-Management Decisions, Management of New-Onset AF

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/151066-treatment

  Selecting an anticoagulant regimen. […] For patients with AF and an elevated CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or greater in men or 3 or greater in women, oral anticoagulants are recommended. […] Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban) are recommended over warfarin in NOAC-eligible patients with AF (except those with moderate-to-severe mitral stenosis or a mechanical heart valve). […] In patients with AF (except those with moderate-to-severe mitral stenosis or a mechanical heart valve), the CHA2DS2-VASc score is recommended for assessment of stroke risk. […] For patients with AF who have mechanical heart valves, warfarin is recommended. […] Anticoagulation with warfarin (international normalized ratio [INR] 2.0-3.0), a factor Xa inhibitor, or direct thrombin inhibitor is recommended for at least 3 weeks before and at least 4 weeks after cardioversion, regardless of the CHA2DS2-VASc score or the method (electrical or pharmacologic) used to restore sinus rhythm.

• #12 AFib: Atrial Fibrillation – The Cardiology Advisor

  https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/ddi/atrial-fibrillation-management/

  Stroke prevention typically entails the use of blood-thinning drugs, namely warfarin, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or edoxaban), and aspirin (recommended only in rare cases). About 60% of strokes that occur after an atrial fibrillation diagnosis can be prevented with anticoagulants. […] People with atrial fibrillation and elevated CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher should receive oral anticoagulation. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants, including apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, are recommended over warfarin in most cases. […] Additionally, beta blockers or antiarrhythmics can restore normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation. In cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, for example, heart rate can be reset with medications or cardioversion.

• #12 AFib: Atrial Fibrillation – The Cardiology Advisor

  https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/ddi/atrial-fibrillation-management/

  A common type of cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is considered a tachyarrhythmia. In the United States, there are more than 454,000 hospitalizations with atrial fibrillation listed as the primary diagnosis each year, and atrial fibrillation contributes to about 158,000 deaths each year. Moreover, the number of people with atrial fibrillation and needing AFib treatment is expected to double or triple by 2050. […] Atrial fibrillation management guidelines call for rhythm control, rate control, and prevention of thromboembolism. Additionally, it is important to manage risk factors for stroke, prevent other heart rhythm problems, and heart failure. […] If the cause of the atrial fibrillation is identified during the diagnostic process, AFib treatment can target the cause. For example, if atrial fibrillation is a result of underlying thyroid disease, AFib treatment can involve treating the thyroid disease to correct the atrial fibrillation.

• #13 Atrial Fibrillation Medical Management | UCSF Cardiology

  https://ucsfhealthcardiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/clinical-services/electrophysiology-and-arrhythmias/patients/atrial-fibrillation-0

  The most feared complication of AF is stroke. Anticoagulation can significantly ameliorate this risk. […] Five large prospective randomized trials comparing warfarin and placebo in patients with nonvalvular AF have been performed that have proven that anticoagulation with warfarin reduces stroke risk in those AF patients at risk. […] Treatment guidelines for anticoagulation in AF patients, depending on the CHADS2 score, have been published by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. […] A newer score, the CHADS2-Vasc score has been proposed by the European Society of cardiology and takes into account additional risk factors. […] Anticoagulation guidelines based on the CHADS2-Vasc score are shown below: […] In the past, the only medication available for oral anticoagulation was warfarin.

• #13 Atrial Fibrillation Medical Management | UCSF Cardiology

  https://ucsfhealthcardiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/clinical-services/electrophysiology-and-arrhythmias/patients/atrial-fibrillation-0

  The management of patients with AF should always address three areas: control of the heart rate, stroke risk, and consideration of cardioversion/maintenance of sinus rhythm. […] Most patients who present with their first episode of atrial fibrillation can be started on oral medications after an initial evaluation with a cardiologist. […] Common medications and dosages are shown below: […] If your heart rate is rapid in AF, your doctor may prescribe medications to slow the bottom chamber of the heart. […] Three types of drugs can be used to slow the heart rate in AF: these include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and digitalis. […] Sometimes combinations of the above medications may be required to adequately control the heart rate, for example a -blocker and digoxin. […] Options include consideration of AF ablation (see ablation below) or A-V node ablation and pacemaker placement, which provides complete control of the heart rate without symptoms, but does not correct the underlying AF and renders the patients pacemaker dependent.

• #14 Heart conditions – atrial fibrillation | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-conditions-atrial-fibrillation

  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia, which means that the heart beats fast and irregularly. […] Treatment includes medication to slow and stabilise the heart rate and reduce the risk of forming blood clots, and surgical procedures to destroy the area of heart tissue responsible for the irregular heart rhythm. […] The use of anticoagulation medications (blood thinners) can very significantly reduce the risk of stroke associated with AF. […] Treatments for AF include: medications to reduce the risk of stroke, medications to normalise the hearts rhythm, medications to slow the heart rate, electric shock therapy to the heart (electrical cardioversion). […] The use of anticoagulation medications (blood thinners) is the most important aspect of the treatment of AF. […] The effective anticoagulant treatments for AF are warfarin and the newer warfarin-like medications called NOACS (novel oral anti-coagulants).

• #15 Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis And Treatment – Heart Foundation NZ

  https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/hearthelp/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment

  Aspirin is not recommended for reducing the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation. […] NOACs work by slowing down the body’s natural clotting process. […] Common types of NOACs available in New Zealand include: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban. […] Warfarin works by blocking the body’s clotting process. […] Warfarin needs to be taken once a day at the same time every day. […] The main side effect of starting any type of anticoagulant is increased bleeding and bruising. […] Sometimes your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a left atrial appendage closure to reduce your risk of stroke. […] As well as reducing your risk of stroke, AF treatment may be needed to help manage your symptoms. […] Slowing down your heart rate can relieve symptoms even if you still have an irregular heart rhythm.

• #16 Medications for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Blood Thinners, Beta-Blockers, and More

  https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/what-medicines-treat-afib

  When you have atrial fibrillation, the goal is to get your heart rate under control and try to bring your heart back to rhythm. In addition, your doctor will want to help you prevent blood clots that can lead to a stroke. For many people with AFib, medicine is the best treatment option. […] Medicine may be your best treatment option for AFib. […] Learn which medicines your doctor could prescribe to treat your AFib. You’ll get the most benefit from these medications if you take them just as your doctor and pharmacist tell you. […] Medicines do a few different things. They can: […] Prevent blood clots. These types of medications lower your chances of having a stroke. […] Slow your heart rate. Some medications lower the number of times your ventricles contract each minute. This slowed rhythm gives them enough time to fill with blood before pumping it out to your body.

• #17 Medications for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Blood Thinners, Beta-Blockers, and More

  https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/what-medicines-treat-afib

  Control your heart rhythm. Other medicines help your atria and ventricles work together to pump blood better. […] Blood-thinning medicines help prevent blood clots. Blood clots can move to other parts of your body and cause serious medical problems, such as a stroke. […] Blood thinners may also prevent other clots from forming or growing. They can lower your chances of a stroke by 50% to 70%. […] One group of AFib medications alters the electrical signals in your heart to slow your heart rate. […] Beta-blockers are a type of blood pressure medicine. […] These are another type of blood pressure medicine. They relax blood vessels in your heart and slow your heart rate. […] This medication strengthens the heart muscle’s contractions and works on your heart’s electrical system to slow the rate that signals move from the atria to the ventricles.

• #18 Atrial fibrillation – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation

  Anticoagulation medication can be used to reduce the risk of stroke from AF. […] Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) are recommended over warfarin in atrial fibrillation. […] The optimal approach to anticoagulation in people with AF and who simultaneously have other diseases that predispose a person to both bleeding and clotting complications is unclear. […] Rate control to a target heart rate of fewer than 110 beats per minute is recommended in most people. […] Rate control is achieved with medications that work by increasing the degree of the block at the level of the AV node, decreasing the number of impulses that conduct into the ventricles. […] Cardioversion is the attempt to switch an irregular heartbeat to a normal heartbeat using electrical or chemical means. […] Catheter ablation (CA) is a procedure performed by an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm problems, to restore the heart’s normal rhythm by destroying, or electrically isolating, specific parts of the atria.

• #19 Atrial Fibrillation – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/specific-cardiac-arrhythmias/atrial-fibrillation

  Conversion to sinus rhythm does not eliminate the need for chronic anticoagulation. […] Long-term oral anticoagulant therapy is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation with the following (class I recommendation): Moderate to severe rheumatic mitral stenosis, Mechanical artificial heart valve (with or without atrial fibrillation), Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (ie, absent moderate to severe rheumatic mitral stenosis or mechanical heart valve) with CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 2 in males and 3 in females, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. […] Long-term oral anticoagulant therapy is reasonable for (class IIa recommendation): Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 1 in males and 2 in females. […] Long-term oral anticoagulant therapy is not recommended for patients with: Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 0 in males and 1 in females. […] When warfarin is given, target international normalized ratio (INR) is 2.0 to 3.0. […] Anticoagulation is usually necessary before cardioversion.

• #20 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment Options

  https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/atrial-fibrillation-treatment

  AFib causes your heart to beat abnormally, which is a type of arrhythmia, but there are treatments that can help. […] You have treatment options if your symptoms become too severe. […] Treatment for AFib, such as medications, nonsurgical procedures, and surgery, can slow your heartbeat and bring it back into a normal rhythm. AFib treatments can also prevent clots and help keep your heart healthy. […] These can prevent clots and strokes, slow your heart rate, and control your heart rhythm. […] The most common way to treat atrial fibrillation is with drugs that control your heartbeat. These slow your rapid heart rate, helping your heart pump better. […] Antiarrhythmic drugs. These medications slow your heart’s electrical signals to bring your heartbeat into whats called a normal sinus rhythm.

• #21 Atrial fibrillation | Heart and Stroke Foundation

  https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/conditions/atrial-fibrillation

  The medications used for atrial fibrillation are: Blood thinners reduce the risk of stroke. An anti-platelet like ASA (Aspirin) or an anticoagulant like warfarin prevents clots from forming and travelling to the brain and causing a stroke. […] Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers help slow the heart rate and allow it fill properly with blood. […] Anti-arrhythmics and digoxin are drugs that prevent abnormal heartbeats and help restore normal rhythm. […] Cardioversion therapy: Electrical pulses are sent through paddles to the heart to jolt the heart back into normal rhythm. Cardioversion is similar to defibrillation, but uses much lower levels of electricity. […] Electrophysiology studies (EPS) and catheter ablation: Some people with Afib who do not respond to medications or electrical cardioversion require an EPS to stop Afib from recurring. EPS testing is used to locate the site of the irregular electrical impulses in the heart. Catheter ablation is then performed to destroy through tiny burns the electrically chaotic heart tissue. Ablation creates scars in the heart that stabilize the electrical short circuits. […] Implantable pacemaker: A surgically implanted device that helps regulate heart rate and rhythm by using electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rhythm.

• #22 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment Options | Temple Health

  https://www.templehealth.org/services/conditions/atrial-fibrillation-afib/treatment-options

  Medications that can slow the pulse include adrenaline-blockers (called beta blockers, such as metoprolol, carvedilol, atenolol and nadolol), calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem and verapamil) and digoxin. […] These are used to suppress atrial fibrillation and include flecainide, propafenone, sotalol, dofetilide, amiodarone, procainamide and dronedarone. […] Its important to note that AFib can still occur while taking an antiarrhythmic medication. Therefore, an AV node blocker medication is often prescribed to control the heart rate for breakthrough episodes. A blood thinner medication is usually also prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation. […] When lifestyle changes and medication fail to correct atrial fibrillation, you may need to undergo a minimally invasive procedure or surgery.

• #23 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/heart-and-vascular/conditions-and-treatments/atrial-fibrillation/treatments

  Medications are often the first line of defense in treating atrial fibrillation. Drugs are not a cure for atrial fibrillation, but in many cases they help to make the symptoms less bothersome. […] Slowing down and controlling the heart rate during episodes of atrial fibrillation can significantly improve symptoms. To control heart rate during episodes of atrial fibrillation, we use medications, including beta-blockers, calcium blockers and digoxin. […] We may prescribe oral blood thinners to patients with a significant risk for stroke. In patients with less risk, aspirin or heparin may be effective. For some patients, devices or surgery that may eliminate the source of stroke might be considered. […] By maintaining the heart rhythm in its normal state, sinus rhythm, we can prevent episodes of atrial fibrillation. Medications called anti-arrhythmic drugs help control heart rhythm for low-risk patients.

• #24 Heart conditions – atrial fibrillation | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-conditions-atrial-fibrillation

  Medications to normalise the hearts rhythm include anti-arrhythmic agents such as sotalol, flecainide and amiodarone. […] Medications to slow the heart rate include beta-blockers (such as atenolol and metoprolol, amongst others), some calcium channel blockers (diltiazem and verapamil) and digoxin. […] Given under general anaesthesia, an electrical shock to the chest helps to reset the hearts electrical system. […] However, severe cases of AF that do not respond to medication or electric shock therapy may need to be surgically treated. […] Options include: catheter ablation and maze operation.

• #25 Medications for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: Blood Thinners, Beta-Blockers, and More

  https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/what-medicines-treat-afib

  If you do, your doctor may recommend an anti-arrhythmic medication to steady your heartbeat and help ease those symptoms. […] These medications control your heart rhythm by slowing the electrical signals through your heart. […] Amiodarone is both a sodium channel blocker and a potassium channel blocker. It’s by far the most effective anti-arrhythmic drug available, possibly as much as 75%. […] Medicines are one option for treating AFib. If they don’t work or you can’t live with the side effects, you do have other choices, including surgery. Discuss all of your options with your doctor.

• #26 Atrial Fibrillation Medical Management | UCSF Cardiology

  https://ucsfhealthcardiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/clinical-services/electrophysiology-and-arrhythmias/patients/atrial-fibrillation-0

  Several newer anticoagulants are being developed that have more predictable effects and do not require blood tests for monitoring. […] Many physicians now consider dabigatran a suitable alternative to warfarin. […] Rivaroxaban (XareltoTM) is another new drug that was recently approved for the prevention of stroke associated with AF. […] All patients with AF due to heart valve disease due to prior rheumatic fever (mitral stenosis), regardless of age, are also at high risk of stroke and should be anticoagulated. […] Most patients presenting with new onset AF who remain in AF should receive an initial attempt at cardioversion (shock) to restore a normal heart rhythm. […] Since AF will recur in most patients, the addition of antiarrhythmic agents may also be needed to help maintain sinus rhythm.

• #27 Atrial Fibrillation Medical Management | UCSF Cardiology

  https://ucsfhealthcardiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/clinical-services/electrophysiology-and-arrhythmias/patients/atrial-fibrillation-0

  Antiarrhythmic drugs are agents that help the heart maintain a normal rhythm. […] The most potent of these drugs, amiodarone, can also be associated with lung, thyroid and liver toxicities as well as causing problems with vision and nerves. […] The key to successful treatment of AF is tailoring therapy to the individual patient. […] Even if apparent sinus rhythm is maintained, anticoagulation should be continued based on the CHADS2 or CHADS2-Vasc score.

• #28 Atrial fibrillation: review of current treatment strategies – Xu – Journal of Thoracic Disease

  https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/9192/html

  For the majority of patients that do not require immediate cardioversion, anti-arrhythmic drug therapies can potentially be utilised. Anti-arrhythmic drugs have been highly effective in converting AF to normal sinus rhythm if promptly administered following onset of AF and at an adequately high dosage. […] If the onset of AF cannot be accurately determined then anticoagulant therapy is necessary before attempting cardioversion. Anticoagulant therapy is essential as patients with AF are more susceptible to blood clots in the atria, which can lead to stroke. […] For patients with valvular AF, warfarin is the recommended drug to be used in anticoagulation therapy. […] Catheter ablation for the treatment of AF is increasingly used as an alternative to medical management, or when medical management has been ineffective or not tolerated.

• #29 Atrial Fibrillation: Diagnosis And Treatment – Heart Foundation NZ

  https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/hearthelp/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment

  In the first instance doctors will usually try medication to slow your heart rate down. […] If you have severe AF symptoms, or if it’s your first episode of AF, your doctor may attempt to restore your heart rate to its normal rhythm (sinus rhythm). […] There are two types of cardioversion. […] Atrial fibrillation ablation, also known as AF ablation or AF catheter ablation, is a procedure that destroys the area inside the heart that is causing the abnormal rhythm. […] Treatment for AF will be personalised for you and it is important that you have your say about your treatment plan.

• #30  

  https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-EU/health-conditions/afib/treatment.html

  There are a number of AFib treatments that help control your heart rate, restore a normal heart rhythm, and/or monitor your hearts electrical activity, including: […] Drug Therapies […] Internal Cardioversion Cardioversion uses electrical energy to change an arrhythmia back to a normal rhythm. By delivering a controlled electric shock through the chest to the heart, cardioverters „shock” the heart back into a normal heart rhythm. […] External Cardioversion During emergencies, the shock may be delivered through an automatic external defibrillator, or AED. […] Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator […] Ablation […] Catheter Ablation With cardiac ablation, a catheter is positioned inside the heart to target therapy at the tissue responsible for the arrhythmia. […] Surgical Maze Procedures

• #31

  https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/treatment/

  Your GP will assess your risk and try to minimise your chance of having a stroke. […] Cardioversion may be recommended for some people with atrial fibrillation. […] It involves giving the heart a controlled electric shock to try to restore a normal rhythm. […] Cardioversion is usually done in hospital so your heart can be carefully monitored. […] You’ll be given an anticoagulant for 3 to 4 weeks before cardioversion. […] Catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys the diseased area of your heart and interrupts abnormal electrical circuits. […] It’s an option if medicine has not been effective. […] A pacemaker is a small device that’s usually implanted in your chest, just below your collarbone. […] It helps your heart beat regularly. […] You may need a pacemaker if you cannot take medicines or they haven’t helped.

• #32 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16765-atrial-fibrillation-afib

  Atrial fibrillation treatment involves one or more of the following: […] Your provider may prescribe medications to control your heart rate and/or heart rhythm. These medications can prevent damage to your heart and help reduce symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable or anxious. […] Ablation for AFib is an umbrella term for a group of procedures that create scar tissue in your heart. […] Specific procedures your cardiologist might recommend for AFib include: Catheter ablation. This is a minimally invasive procedure. […] Other procedures that treat AFib include: Cardioversion. Your provider uses a device (defibrillator) or medicine to get your heart rhythm back to normal.

• #33 Atrial fibrillation: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and more

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323621

  A-fib increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. Medical treatments and surgery may help. […] Doctors tailor the treatments for A-fib so that they are suitable for the persons age and lifestyle, heart health, and overall health. Some people may only need medications, while others may need surgical procedures to stabilize their heart rhythm. Sometimes, doctors recommend a combination of treatments. […] Prescription medicines can control a persons heart rate, prevent clots from forming, and, for some people, normalize heart rhythm. […] A doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications, or blood thinners. These medications make it harder for blood to clot. […] Doctors may try to return the heart rhythm to normal using medication. This is called chemical, or pharmacological, cardioversion.

• #34 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/heart-and-vascular/conditions-and-treatments/atrial-fibrillation/treatments

  Catheter ablation is a nonsurgical treatment for irregular heartbeats, including atrial fibrillation that locates and destroys abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause the irregular heartbeat. […] While medical management and catheter ablation are used to treat atrial fibrillation, some patients benefit from surgery. […] The classic or cut and sew Maze procedure creates electrical blocks or barriers in the upper heart chambers (atria) that redirect the abnormal electrical signals of the heart that cause atrial fibrillation, restoring the heart rhythm. […] Total thoracoscopic modified MAZE (TTm MAZE) and Convergent are two minimally invasive surgical options for the treatment of chronic, long standing, or persistent atrial fibrillation. […] We treat patients with atrial fibrillation using the most advanced medical and surgical techniques available, based on the latest evidence-based medicine. These include: Catheter Ablation, Hybrid Maze Procedure, Left Atrial Appendage Closure, Maze Procedure, Medications for Heart and Vascular Disease.

• #35 Atrial fibrillation – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation

  Most commonly, CA electrically isolates the left atrium from the pulmonary veins, where most of the abnormal electrical activity promoting atrial fibrillation originates. […] AF may recur in people who have undergone CA and nearly half of people who undergo it will require a repeat procedure to achieve long-term control of their AF. […] A hybrid convergent procedure has been developed which combines endocardial ablation with epicardial ablation, which can reduce AF recurrence to less than 5% for over one year. […] There is growing evidence that left atrial appendage occlusion therapy may reduce the risk of stroke in people with non-valvular AF as much as warfarin.

• #36 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Risk-Management Decisions, Management of New-Onset AF

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/151066-treatment

  AF catheter ablation may be reasonable in selected patients with symptomatic AF and heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HFrEF) to potentially lower the mortality rate and reduce hospitalization for HF. […] Catheter ablation is now a class I indication and first-line therapy for selected patients. […] The 2023 guideline has updated recommendations for device-detected AF (implantables, wearables) that take into account the interaction between episode duration and the patient’s underlying thromboembolic risk. […] Left atrial occlusion devices are now a class IIa recommendation in patients with AF who have long-term contraindications to anticoagulation. […] This updated guideline also emphasizes the risk of recurrent AF following discovery of AF during medical illness or precipitants such as surgery and provides recommendations.

• #37 Cardiac (Heart) Ablation: Procedure Details & Recovery

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation

  Cardiac ablation (or catheter ablation) is a minimally invasive treatment for abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Healthcare providers use this procedure to find and treat abnormal tissue in your heart. This can correct your heart rhythm. […] Cardiac ablation treats most types of fast heart arrhythmias, but its not usually the first treatment providers try. Your cardiologist may suggest this procedure if you have an abnormal heart rhythm that medication cant treat. Your provider will evaluate your heart and overall health to choose the best procedure to treat the arrhythmia that affects you. […] A heart ablation procedure can treat these types of arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation (Afib) and atrial flutter. These cause the upper chambers of your heart (called the atria) to beat irregularly and ineffectively. AFib can cause clots that increase your risk of stroke because the blood becomes stagnant.

• #38 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Types, Symptoms, Treatments – UChicago Medicine

  https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/heart-vascular/atrial-fibrillation

  When deciding what AFib treatment option would be best for you, our specialists thoroughly evaluate your condition and partner with you to determine a strategy that accommodates your diagnosis and lifestyle. Selecting the right treatment will depend on a variety of factors, such as: […] Our expert cardiologists and cardiac surgeons offer a wide range of treatment options, including catheterization techniques and minimally invasive procedures, and your individual treatment plan may include: […] One or a combination of medication, including blood thinners to prevent blood clots or strokes […] Pulsed field ablation is a new ablation technology that uses electrical fields to treat and neutralize atrial tissue. […] Electrical cardioversion is a nonsurgical treatment that removes abnormal electrical pathways and restores or resets the heart rhythm

• #39 Cardiac (Heart) Ablation: Procedure Details & Recovery

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16851-catheter-ablation

  The cardiac ablation success rate varies by the type of abnormal heart rhythm you have. […] But the success rate is only 60% to 80% for: Afib. […] Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that usually doesnt require a prolonged hospital stay. A cardiac ablation procedure can restore a normal heart rhythm when medications fail. This procedure can even be lifesaving in some cases.

• #40 AFib’s on the Rise. A New Approach May Help Treat It. | News & Stories | DHMC and Clinics

  https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/afibs-rise-new-approach-may-help-treat-it

  Studies show that in around 70 to 80 percent of cases, a single ablation procedure helps significantly reduce atrial fibrillation and its symptoms. […] Technology has evolved rapidly over the last few years and now PFA offers improved safety when compared to thermal ablation, says Sangha. […] PFA involves electroporation, which is the delivery of rapid, high-voltage pulsed electrical fields to the heart tissue. […] Whether the treatment is right for you or your loved one will be determined by your doctor after a clear diagnosis of AFib is made.

• #41

  https://www.beaumont.org/treatments/atrial-fibrillation

  Catheter ablation is a non-surgical procedure that can be used when medication is not working to control the heart rhythm. […] The goal of the procedure is to cure the atrial fibrillation or to lessen the episodes of atrial fibrillation by controlling ones symptoms. […] A pacemaker is appropriate for patients with heart problems that cause their heart to beat too slowly. […] An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. […] Patients who have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are most commonly treated with catheter-based ablation including pulmonary vein isolation. […] MAZE procedure is an effective surgical treatment for a-fib that also aims to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins from the rest of the atrium; MAZE procedure is an option if atrial fibrillation cannot be treated with medication or other nonsurgical approaches.

• #42 Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0915/p442.html

  Electrophysiologic radiofrequency ablation is a nonoperative, catheter-based procedure used to isolate and possibly destroy abnormal foci responsible for atrial fibrillation. […] Surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation are invasive, high risk, and should be considered only in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for other reasons. […] Anticoagulation is an essential part of atrial fibrillation management. It significantly reduces the risk of embolic stroke, but increases the risk of bleeding. […] The treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation must be individualized to each patient’s condition, which can change over time.

• #43 The latest in Afib treatments | University of Iowa Health Care

  https://uihc.org/health-topics/latest-afib-treatments

  The convergent procedure brings together the expertise of electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons in a two-stage approach. The procedure combines minimally invasive heart surgery and ablation to treat Afib. This is one of the least invasive and most successful methods for surgically treating Afib that hasn’t improved with other treatments.

• #44 Atrial Fibrillation Treatment – NYC | Division of Cardiology

  https://www.columbiacardiology.org/patient-care/center-interventional-vascular-therapy/atrial-fibrillation

  In a patient with a normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm), an electrical signal spreads through the top chambers of the heart (the atria), causing them to squeeze and fill the lower chambers (the ventricles), which then pump the blood all over the body. When a patient is diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the electrical signals become disorganized and the atria no longer contract effectively. Rather, they quiver at rapid rates, so blood is not pushed to the ventricles as efficiently. With blood sitting stagnantly in the atrium, blood clots are more likely to form. These clots can travel from the heart to the brain, causing a stroke. […] The traditional way to prevent stroke in patients with Afib is to take strong blood-thinning medicines called anticoagulants. Patients need to take these medications for the rest of their lives. However, this can be challenging for patients: Medications like Warfarin (coumadin) require strict dietary restrictions, the medication dose needs to be changed frequently, and blood testing is required at least monthly. While there are a number of newer anticoagulant medications available that are safer and easier to take, the risk of bleeding while taking these medicines increases as patients age.

• #45 Non-Surgical Treatment | Atrial Fibrillation | Pauley Heart Center | VCU Healthic_closeGroup

  https://www.vcuhealth.org/pauley-heart-center/programs-and-expertise/atrial-fibrillation-program/non-surgical-treatment/

  Ablation […] During ablation, one or more flexible catheters are inserted via X-ray into the blood vessel and directed to the heart muscle. […] When successful, catheter ablation ends the need for taking heart rhythm medications. […] Cryoablation […] Cryoablation is a new and safe method of treating and often eliminating the most common irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) in both children and adults, with less chance of complications than other treatments. […] WATCHMAN® […] A new area of treatment at Pauley Heart Center involves use of the WATCHMAN®, a device designed to keep harmful blood clots that form in the left atrial appendage from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. […] We are currently testing the WATCHMAN® as first line therapy to avoid blood thinners for most patients who have atrial fibrillation.

• #45 Non-Surgical Treatment | Atrial Fibrillation | Pauley Heart Center | VCU Healthic_closeGroup

  https://www.vcuhealth.org/pauley-heart-center/programs-and-expertise/atrial-fibrillation-program/non-surgical-treatment/

  Non-Surgical Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatments […] Non-surgical Treatment Options […] Depending on the patient’s individual needs, there are a number of treatment options available to get your heart back to beating the way it should. Treatment is designed to reduce the risk of stroke and either cure or manage AFib. […] The choice of treatment depends upon the severity of the symptoms, the likelihood of response to a particular treatment, and consideration of the risks versus the benefits of treatment. […] Historically, treatment of AFib has taken one of six forms: […] Medications to restore a normal heart rhythm and blood thinner to prevent stroke […] Cardioversion, to shock the heart back into normal rhythm […] Pacemakers, to prevent slow heart beating during AFib or from drugs used as treatment […] Ablation, a procedure to create scar tissue and removes areas of the heart that cause fibrillation […] Cryoablation, a new and safe method of treating and often eliminating the most common irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) in both children and adults, with less chance of complications than other treatments. […] Experimental treatments

• #46  

  https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-EU/health-conditions/afib/treatment.html

  While these treatments may relieve some of your AF symptoms, they may not prevent an atrial fibrillation episode. […] To lower the risk of stroke, doctors may prescribe blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) that help prevent clots from forming. […] Blood thinners are very effective in lowering the risk of stroke in people with AFib. […] The WATCHMAN Implant offers a breakthrough approach to reducing stroke risk. […] The WATCHMAN Implant acts as a barrier to keep these blood clots from escaping the LAA and going into the bloodstream, blocking a blood vessel, and causing a stroke. […] Its also important to understand that, like blood thinners, the WATCHMAN Implant does not cure atrial fibrillation. […] The WATCHMAN Implant doesnt require open-heart surgery and is typically performed under general anesthesia. […] You will need to keep taking blood thinners to help prevent a stroke until enough heart tissue grows over the WATCHMAN implant to permanently close off the LAA from the rest of your heart.

• #47 Non-Surgical Treatment | Atrial Fibrillation | Pauley Heart Center | VCU Healthic_closeGroup

  https://www.vcuhealth.org/pauley-heart-center/programs-and-expertise/atrial-fibrillation-program/non-surgical-treatment/

  Medications […] Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are prescribed to prevent blood clots that could lead to a stroke. […] A new form of therapy called left atrial appendage occlusion is available that in over 95% of patients avoids the need for any blood thinner other than a baby aspirin. […] Rate-control drugs control the heart rate during AFib and rhythm control drugs (anti-arrhythmics) try to bring the heart back into normal rhythm. […] Cardioversion […] For most individuals with chronic atrial fibrillation, or those whose symptoms do not improve with medications, a normal heart rhythm can be restored by applying a controlled electric shock to the heart. […] Pacemaker […] A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin near the collarbone that monitors the heart’s rhythms and sends a controlled electrical pulse to the heart muscle if it identifies a slow rate.

• #48 Atrial fibrillation

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/

  If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you will have regular check-ups to make sure your symptoms are under control. […] You may be given medicine to: control the rate and rhythm of your heart, such as beta blockers […] lower the risk of blood clots or stroke (anticoagulants). […] Other possible treatments for atrial fibrillation include: surgery to burn or freeze a section of the heart (ablation) […] using electricity to reset your heart rhythm (electrical cardioversion) […] having a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted. […] Sometimes atrial fibrillation can be caused by another health condition or medicine. In these cases, treating the condition or stopping the medicine can improve the symptoms. […] There is currently no cure for atrial fibrillation, but treatment should help manage the symptoms and lower the risk of complications like blood clots, stroke and heart failure.

• #49 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment Options | Temple Health

  https://www.templehealth.org/services/conditions/atrial-fibrillation-afib/treatment-options

  Cardioversion is like a quick reset of the heart and is very effective for getting the heart back to its normal rhythm. […] AV node ablation is a simple and highly effective procedure that permanently disables the tiny electrical connection (called the AV node) that allows signals to travel from the top chambers of the heart to the bottom chambers of the heart. […] Atrial fibrillation ablation is used to try to re-wire the top chambers of the heart and prevent them from going into atrial fibrillation. […] Maze surgery is used to manage atrial fibrillation if other approaches aren’t successful or if a patient with atrial fibrillation is undergoing heart surgery to correct another problem.

• #50 Expert tips on living with atrial fibrillation – BHF

  https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/living-with-atrial-fibrillation

  Research shows that adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing the impact of atrial fibrillation on your life. This means eating healthily, limiting alcohol, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. […] It’s generally safe to exercise if you are in permanent atrial fibrillation, if you feel well, Ms Holding confirms. […] For those whose atrial fibrillation comes and goes, it’s recommended to only exercise when your heart is in a normal rhythm. […] Working out what triggers your atrial fibrillation is another important part of self-management, says Ms Holding. Common triggers include alcohol, dehydration, caffeine, spicy food, smoking and stress. […] Your medical team’s job is to give you options about your treatment, so you can make decisions with them about your care, rather than you feeling as if your doctors are telling you what to do.

• #51 Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Treatment Options

  https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/atrial-fibrillation-treatment

  If meds for atrial fibrillation don’t work for you or cause too many side effects, there are surgical and nonsurgical options for treating it. […] During this procedure, you’ll get a mild electric shock to your heart to „reset” your heart back to a more normal rhythm. […] Atrial fibrillation ablation. It works by disrupting irregular electrical pathways in your heart. […] This is a small device that monitors your heartbeat and sends out a signal to stimulate your heart if it’s beating too slowly. […] For some people, ablation restores a normal heart rhythm better than medications. […] If your AFib is a result of problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, or an overactive thyroid, you’ll need to treat the root cause. […] Right now, there’s no cure for it. But certain treatments can make symptoms go away for a long time for some people.

• #52 Focused Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation | Patient Care

  https://weillcornell.org/news/focused-treatment-for-atrial-fibrillation

  Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a heart rhythm issue affecting more than 2 million American adults, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. […] Fortunately, there are a growing number of ways to manage the condition. What treatment for atrial fibrillation is right for you? That depends. […] Treatment of atrial fibrillation requires a personalized, tailored approach, says Jim Cheung, M.D., FACC, FHRS, professor of Medicine and cardiac electrophysiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine. Proper treatment entails three things: reduction of stroke risk, symptom control and lifestyle modifications. […] Treating atrial fibrillation can reduce the risk of stroke. Treatment options include: […] In addition to managing stroke risk, treating atrial fibrillation can help reduce symptoms and the probability of developing heart failure.

• #53 Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation | American Heart Association

  https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/treatment-and-prevention-of-atrial-fibrillation

  The treatment goals of atrial fibrillation, also called AF or AFib, start with a diagnosis. Your health care professional will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. They may also do an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test checks your heart’s electrical activity. Some people may need more tests, such as an electrophysiology study. Read about AFib treatment options. […] After being diagnosed with AFib, your goals may include: Getting your heart back to a normal rhythm (called rhythm control) […] Slowing down a fast heart rate (called rate control) […] Preventing blood clots […] Managing stroke risk factors […] Preventing more heart rhythm problems […] Preventing heart failure. […] Your health care professional may suggest lifestyle changes, including: Getting regular physical activity […] Eating a heart-healthy diet low in: Salt (sodium) […] Saturated fats […] Trans fats […] Cholesterol […] Managing high blood pressure […] Limiting alcohol and caffeine […] Not smoking […] Controlling cholesterol […] Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

• #54 Atrial fibrillation – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation

  For those at more than low risk, experts generally recommend an anti-clotting medication. […] Anti-clotting medications include warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants. […] While these medications reduce stroke risk, they increase rates of major bleeding. […] An integrated management approach, which includes stroke prevention, symptoms control and management of associated comorbidities has been associated with better outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. […] This holistic or integrated care approach is summed up as the ABC (Atrial fibrillation Better Care) pathway. […] Regular aerobic exercise improves atrial fibrillation symptoms and AF-related quality of life. […] Weight loss of at least 10% is associated with reduced atrial fibrillation burden in people who are overweight or obese.

• #55 New Study Finds GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Reduce Atrial Fibrillation-Related Events in Patients with Obesity – HRS

  https://www.hrsonline.org/news/glp1-study-reduces-afib-events/

  A new study, TRANSFORM-AF, found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity who were treated with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) experienced a reduction in AF-related events, including hospitalization, cardioversion, and ablation for AF. […] The TRANSFORM-AF study aimed to evaluate whether GLP-1 RAs, typically prescribed for diabetes, could reduce the burden of AF in patients with both AF and obesity. […] In patients with atrial fibrillation and obesity, the use of diabetic-dose GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with improved AF-related outcomes, despite only a modest incremental weight loss, said Varun Sundaram, MD, PhD, MSc, Section Chief, Advanced Heart Failure, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, University Hospitals Harrington Heart Vascular Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and Principal Investigator of the TRANSFORM-AF study.

• #56 Treatment of atrial fibrillation: a comprehensive review and practice guide – PubMed

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32186324/

  Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an ectopic rhythm originating in the atrium. AF is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice and it is an enormous burden worldwide because of the high rates of morbidity, disability and mortality. Treatment of AF has become a hot spot in the field of cardiovascular medicine. […] Current therapy for AF mainly includes drug therapy, catheter ablation, cryoballoon ablation, left atrial appendage closure and the maze procedure. The goal of this article is to update current treatment options for AF. We hope that this article will help deliver good care to AF patients based on the current state-of-the-art evidence.

• #57 The latest in Afib treatments | University of Iowa Health Care

  https://uihc.org/health-topics/latest-afib-treatments

  In early 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved FARAPULSE, a pulsed field ablation system, to treat Afib. „Instead of using heat or cold, we use micro pulses of electricity that make tiny holes in the cells, causing the cells to die. It’s called programmed cell death,” Dominic says. […] Pulsed field ablation is more precise than thermal ablation, making it a faster, safer, and more effective treatment for Afib. […] Vein of Marshall ablation is a type of chemical ablation. After a catheter and small balloon are inserted into the vein of Marshall, a small vein in the back of the heart known to trigger Afib, ethanol is injected, damaging the vein to eliminate Afib. […] The ganglionated plexi nerves located outside the heart wall regulate cardiac rhythm. Damaging these nerves through an ablation procedure can prevent Afib from being triggered.

• #58 AFib’s on the Rise. A New Approach May Help Treat It. | News & Stories | DHMC and Clinics

  https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/afibs-rise-new-approach-may-help-treat-it

  Atrial fibrillation is on the increase. But if you or a loved one are among the estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the United States with the condition, a groundbreaking treatment is now available. […] The new method, pulsed field ablation (PFA), has been shown to treat some forms of atrial fibrillation with good effect. It has faster procedure times than conventional techniques and carries less risk to the hearts adjacent structures, making a generally safe procedure potentially even safer. […] This technology has been in the works for a decade, but it only recently became commercially available in the U.S. We are fortunate to be among the first hospitals across the country to have PFA as an option to offer to our patients, says Kevin Kwaku, MD, PhD, Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Center.

• #59 New Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Gets Dad His Beat Back

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/new-atrial-fibrillation-treatment-gets-dad-his-beat-back/

  After being treated for an irregular heartbeat at Cedars-Sinai, Henric Nieminen is enjoying running, cycling and keeping up with his 3-year-old daughter. […] Zadikany diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that occurs when the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat out of sync. […] Albert recommended cardioversion, a procedure commonly used to reset the heart to a normal rhythm. […] She suggested he might benefit from catheter ablation, a procedure that destroys cells and creates a small scar within the heart, breaking up or insulating the electrical signals causing the heart to beat out of sync. […] In January, Nieminen underwent the procedure, called pulsed field ablation. […] When other options fail, this procedure can be life-changing for patients, Shehata said.

• #60 New Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Gets Dad His Beat Back

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/new-atrial-fibrillation-treatment-gets-dad-his-beat-back/

  The energy penetrates cell walls and destroys specific heart cells, preventing abnormal signals from causing an irregular heartbeat. […] For some patients with atrial fibrillation, this procedure may be safer than conventional ablation procedures that destroy small areas of heart tissue. […] Following U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of several pulsed field ablation systems, the procedure is now available for use outside of a clinical trial. […] Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and deaths related to the condition have been increasing for more than two decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. […] A device that was implanted to record Nieminens heart rhythm shows proof of his progress: He has been free from atrial fibrillation since getting pulsed field ablation.

• #61

  https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/heart-vascular/conditions/atrial-fibrillation

  Cardiac ablation: This procedure uses gentle burning or freezing to treat the small areas of heart muscle that may be causing your atrial fibrillation (AFib). […] Hybrid ablation procedure: This innovative procedure combines catheter-based ablation with a minimally invasive surgical approach for treating complex atrial fibrillation (AFib). […] Endoscopic laser balloon ablation: This new advanced treatment option allows for faster procedure times through a pulmonary vein isolation, providing many benefits for patients without sacrificing quality or safety.

• #62 Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) – symptoms and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/atrial-fibrillation

  Atrial fibrillation is a type of abnormal heartbeat. […] There are several treatments for atrial fibrillation, including medicines or a pacemaker. […] Treatment for AF will depend on your symptoms, the cause and what other health conditions you have. […] There are several treatments for atrial fibrillation: […] Medicines to help your heart go back to a normal rhythm or to slow your heart rate. […] Cardioversion an electrical shock is given to your heart to reset normal rhythm. This is done under general anaesthetic. […] Catheter ablation this procedure destroys (ablates) the area inside the heart that is causing the abnormal rhythm. […] Pacemaker a small implanted device that stimulates the heart to beat regularly. […] Medicines to prevent a stroke are also usually recommended see Complications below.

• #63 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation

  https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation

  In this iteration of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) practice guidelines on AF, the task force has consolidated and evolved past approaches to develop the AF-CARE framework. Addressing [C] comorbidities and risk factors is placed as the initial and central component of patient management. This should be considered first as it applies to all patients with AF, regardless of their thromboembolic risk factors or any symptoms that might warrant intervention. This is followed by considering how best to [A] avoid stroke and thromboembolism, and then the options available to reduce symptoms, and in some cases improve prognosis, through [R] rate and rhythm control. [E] Evaluation and reassessment should be individualised for every patient, with a dynamic approach that accounts for how AF and its associated conditions change over time. […] These initiatives have been designed to make the 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation easier to read, follow, and implement, with the aim of improving the lives of patients with AF.

• #64 Atrial Fibrillation: AFib Treatment, Symptoms, & Conditions | University of Utah Health

  https://healthcare.utah.edu/cardiovascular/conditions/atrial-fibrillation

  Atrial fibrillation (also called AF or AFib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults. […] Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition because your heart needs to move blood through its chambers to keep your body healthy. […] If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib, you may have a higher chance of developing other dangerous conditions like stroke or heart failure this is why it is important to see an AFib clinician, even if you don’t have symptoms. […] With you we will determine a customized treatment plan for your unique situation, and adapt that plan over time, as your situation change and as our treatment for AFib evolves. […] We can accomplish these goals through various treatments for AFib. […] Treatments include: Lifestyle changes; Medications, Blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, Basic heart rhythm medications, Complex heart rhythm medications; Cardioversion, a procedure to 'reset’ the heart into normal rhythm; Cardiac catheter ablation; Left atrial appendage closure; and MAZE procedure (or surgical ablation).

• #65 Atrial fibrillation treatment – HonorHealth

  https://www.honorhealth.com/medical-services/cardiac-care/treatment-options/atrial-fibrillation-treatment

  Atrial fibrillation treatment seeks to repair this electrical pathway, control the heart rate, restore normal heart rhythm and prevent blood clots. […] At HonorHealth, you have a full range of atrial fibrillation treatment options, including medication and minimally invasive medical and surgical procedures, some of which use reduced radiation procedures. The goals of each include relieving symptoms, controlling and normalizing heart rate and rhythm, preventing blood clots and minimizing the risk of stroke. […] Atrial fibrillation treatments include: […] Medication that can control heart rate and rhythm as well as blood thinners to help prevent blood clotting, which can lead to stroke. Anti-arrhythmic medications decrease and normalize the heart rate. They are possible first-stage treatment for atrial fibrillation, especially for patients who have just begun to experience symptoms.

• #66 Atrial fibrillation treatment – HonorHealth

  https://www.honorhealth.com/medical-services/cardiac-care/treatment-options/atrial-fibrillation-treatment

  Cardioversion: This involves resetting the heart rate to normal with medication and electrical therapy. […] A heart implant: If you have atrial fibrillation, you may be a candidate for a tiny permanent implant. This less-invasive implant not only reduces stroke risk in afib patients, it enables them to stop using a blood thinner such as warfarin or coumadin. […] Catheter ablation: An electrophysiologist, a specialist in heart rhythm disorders, repairs the pathway that conducts electrical impulses through the heart, negating the effects of abnormal tissue. This normalizes the heart’s electrical signals and restores normal heart rhythm. […] Surgical ablation: A surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation is maze surgery, which includes open-heart and minimally invasive techniques (mini-maze surgery). In each technique, a maze-like pattern of small cuts, or burns, are made on the heart’s atrium, isolating cells that produce abnormal electrical signals. Scar tissue eventually forms on the heart, repairing the heart’s electrical pathway.

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