Current Evidence-Based Understanding of the Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial arrhythmia in adults worldwide. As medical advancements continue to contribute to an ever-increasing aging population, the burden of atrial fibrillation on the modern health care system continues to increase. Therapies are also evolving, for treatment of the arrhythmia itself, and stroke risk mitigation. Internists and cardiologists alike are, in most instances, the frontline contact for AF patients, and would benefit from remaining facile in their understanding of care options. To continue to deliver high-quality care to this expanding patient group, an updated, concise review for the clinician is prudent. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the current epidemiology and pathophysiology of AF, as well as contemporary procedural therapeutic options.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the gut microbiota-dependent metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide with the incidence of atrial fibrillation

“…A systematic review and meta-analysis of the gut microbiotadependent metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide with the incidence of atrial fibrillation factors promote the development and maintenance of AF, such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, congestive HF, obesity, alcohol abuse, and obstructive sleep apnea (2).…”

“…In clinical practice, atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart arrhythmia associated with an elevated risk of adverse effects, such as thromboembolic strokes, heart failure (HF), systemic embolism (SE), and all-cause mortality (1,2). It is estimated that 33.5 million individuals worldwide are affected with AF (3), and its prevalence is projected to increase in the coming years (4).…”

The efficacy and safety of amiodarone combined with beta-blockers in the maintenance of sinus rhythm for atrial fibrillation

“…[ 2 – 4 ] Until 2016, there were more than 33.5 million AF patients worldwide, with a population incidence of 2.5% to 3.5%. [ 5 ] The main complications of AF include stroke, thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cognitive decline, dementia, and renal impairment, and the main treatment are ventricular rate control, rhythm control, and anticoagulant therapy, which are supported by the American Heart Association, [ 6 ] European Society of Cardiology, [ 4 ] and Canadian Cardiovascular Society. [ 7 ] Rhythm control as a primary therapy can reduce the risk of thromboembolism and the usage of anticoagulant drugs, and improve the left ventricular function, the hemodynamics, patient symptoms, and their quality of life.…”

Predictive value of HMGB1 for atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients

“…Atrial brillation (AF), a frequent type of supraventricular arrhythmia, is the most common atrial arrhythmia among adults worldwide, and its prevalence has been increasing (1). AF is a progressive disease, and its early stage is paroxysmal AF (pAF); more than 50% of the pAF patients progress to persistent AF or die within 10 years (2).…”