Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in adults and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality due to both causing and contributing to an increase in the risk of stroke and heart failure. AF constitutes a significant public health concern. It is estimated that its management accounts for 1% of the National Health Service budget in the United Kingdom and between $6 and $26 billions of annual healthcare spending in the United States. This chapter includes the epidemiology and genetics of atrial fibrillation, with a special focus on the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation, how and when to follow a rate control or rhythm control treatment strategy atrial fibrillation including catheter ablation. The chapter also includes assessment of a patient’s risk of stroke in the setting of atrial fibrillation as well as the options for anticoagulation and left atrial appendage closure.