Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

G Y Lip1, F L Hee

  • 1Haemostasis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Unit, University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK. G.Y.H.LIP@bham.ac.uk

QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|December 18, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) requires distinct management from sustained AF, focusing on preventing episodes and maintaining sinus rhythm. Treatment strategies, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options, are evolving despite limited trial evidence.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

State of play and future direction with NOACs: An expert consensus.

Vascular pharmacology·2018
Same author

Glycative and oxidative stress are associated with altered thrombus composition in diabetic patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

International journal of cardiology·2017
Same author

Reply to Jolobe

The journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh·2017
Same author

Clinical Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.

The journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh·2017
Same author

Short runs of atrial arrhythmia and stroke risk: a European-wide online survey among stroke physicians and cardiologists.

The journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh·2016
Same author

'Patient choice' concept in AF ESC Guidelines: is the clinician giving up? Reply.

Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology·2013

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a common arrhythmia, often managed similarly to sustained atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • However, distinct treatment objectives for PAF, primarily focused on preventing episodes and maintaining sinus rhythm, are crucial.
  • Understanding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history of PAF is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history of PAF.
  • To evaluate the evidence for current treatment and management strategies for PAF.
  • To highlight the differences in treatment objectives between PAF and sustained AF.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and natural history of PAF.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of evidence for pharmacologic treatments, including Class 1c drugs, beta-blockers, and amiodarone.
  • Review of evidence for antithrombotic therapy and non-pharmacological interventions.

    • Main Results:

    • PAF accounts for 25-62% of AF cases, sharing similar underlying causes with sustained AF.
    • Class 1c drugs are effective for maintaining sinus rhythm; beta-blockers are alternatives.
    • Amiodarone is recommended for patients with severe coronary artery disease or poor ventricular function.
    • Antithrombotic strategies for PAF should mirror those for sustained AF (warfarin for high-risk, aspirin for low-risk).
    • Non-pharmacological options like pacemakers and atrial defibrillators show promise.

    Conclusions:

    • Management of PAF should differ from sustained AF, prioritizing prevention of paroxysms and long-term sinus rhythm.
    • Evidence for PAF management is limited by small trials and definitional inconsistencies.
    • Antithrombotic therapy recommendations are based on epidemiological data and subgroup analyses.
    • Further research is needed to establish definitive evidence-based guidelines for PAF treatment.