Contemporary Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine

Circ.ahajournals.org: June 12, 2012.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with increased risks of stroke, heart failure, dementia, and death.^1–8 Because the number of elderly individuals will increase over the years to come, the prevalence of AF is predicted to increase dramatically.⁹Symptoms are a major reason that patients with AF seek medical attention. Approximately two thirds of all emergency department visits with a primary diagnosis of AF result in hospital admissions.¹⁰ AF and its related symptoms therefore represent a major therapeutic challenge and burden to healthcare systems. The major goal of AF therapy is to reduce cardiovascular symptoms, morbidity, and mortality. Because the outcome of rate versus rhythm control therapies is similar,^11,12 the degree of symptoms related to the arrhythmia is a major consideration during the selection of a treatment strategy. Given the cost and potential complications related to medications and ablation techniques used for rhythm control, an accurate evaluation of the symptoms and functional status of patients with AF is crucial. Read More