News from the 2010 guidelines for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation

Czech version

Authors: R. Čihák
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2010, 12(4): 187-191
Category: Angiological Symposium

Overview

In summer 2010, the European Society of Cardiology published its new guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The incidence of atrial fibrillation increases, the prevalence is estimated at 1–2%. The treatment includes prevention of atrial remodelling with upstream therapy, prevention of thromboembolic events and heart rate control and rhythm control. Great emphasis is on treatment safety. Detailed risk stratifications of thromboembolic complications have been introduced, the CHA2DS2-VASc score, and risks of bleeding, the HAS-BLED score. Anticoagulation treatment is indicated more often rather than earlier, and recommended are vitamin K antagonists, with, following its approval for use in AF, administration of dabigatran as an alternative. Heart rate control should aim at achieving resting heart rate of less than 110 bpm with more intensive control when symptoms persist or the function deteriorates. To rhythm control, dronedarone, propaphenone, flecainide, sotalol and amiodarone are recommended. The choice of an antiarrhythmic depends on the presence of structural heart disease. Catheter ablation, or alternatively surgery, is indicated when pharmacological treatment had been ineffective.

Keywords:
atrial fibrillation – treatment guidelines – upstream therapy – thromboembolism prevention – rate control – rhythm control

Sources

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Article was published in

Cardiology Review

2010 Issue 4