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Atrial fibrillation: the newest frontier in arrhythmia management
Pamela J McCabe1, Susan Geoffroy
1Department of Nursing, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. mccabe.pamela2@mayo.edu
Insights
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects millions, with numbers rising due to aging populations. This review covers AF management, focusing on nursing care, new treatments, and patient education to address this growing health challenge.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nursing Science
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia affecting over 2.3 million Americans.
- The incidence of AF is projected to increase significantly with an aging population.
- AF negatively impacts mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of atrial fibrillation (AF).
- To summarize research findings influencing current AF management strategies.
- To provide guidance for nurses caring for patients with AF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research findings on AF management.
- Discussion of pharmacologic therapies and new treatment technologies.
- Presentation of nursing assessment, treatment, and patient education strategies.
Main Results:
- Current knowledge supports innovative management strategies for AF.
- Expanding treatment options require nurses to address multifaceted patient needs.
- A comprehensive nursing care plan for AF patients is presented.
Conclusions:
- Nurses play a crucial role in managing the growing population of patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Effective patient education and tailored nursing interventions are essential for optimal AF care.
- The review offers a framework for nursing diagnoses, outcomes, interventions, and activities for AF patients.
Abstract:
At least 2.3 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. Since the risk for developing atrial fibrillation increases with age, the number of people with atrial fibrillation is expected to rise sharply. Atrial fibrillation is a complex condition that adversely influences mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and use of health care resources. Knowledge generated from extensive research has led to innovative management strategies. As the number of individuals with atrial fibrillation increases and treatment options expand, nurses in a variety of settings will be challenged to respond to the multifaceted needs of this population. This review discusses the significance of atrial fibrillation and summarizes research findings influencing current management strategies. Pharmacologic therapies are reviewed and new technologies for atrial fibrillation treatment are introduced. Nursing assessment and treatment of patients' response to atrial fibrillation are discussed. Recommendations for patient education are offered. A plan describing specific nursing diagnoses, outcomes, interventions, and activities for care of patients with atrial fibrillation is presented.