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Updated: Aug 27, 2026

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
09:17

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 29, 2011

[Atrial fibrillation]

J Spinar1, J Vítovec

  • 1II. interní klinika Lékarské fakulty MU a FN u sv. Anny, Brno.

Vnitrni Lekarstvi
|October 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, increases with age and heart failure. Treatment involves anticoagulation or anti-aggregation, and managing heart rhythm or rate.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology

Context:

  • Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, with incidence rising significantly in older adults and those with heart failure.
  • The condition's prevalence exceeds 6% in individuals over 80 and can reach 50% in severe heart failure cases (NYHA IV).

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for atrial fibrillation.
  • To differentiate between anticoagulant and anti-aggregation treatments, and rhythm versus rate control.

Summary:

  • Diagnosis relies on ECG and echocardiography. Therapy decisions hinge on anticoagulation/anti-aggregation and rhythm/rate control.
  • Anticoagulation is crucial for most patients, especially before cardioversion. Anti-aggregation may suffice for low-risk individuals.
  • Rhythm control via cardioversion is recommended for symptomatic patients; rate control is often safer for others, particularly the elderly.

Impact:

  • Provides a concise overview of atrial fibrillation management for clinicians.
  • Highlights the importance of individualized treatment strategies based on patient risk factors and symptoms.
  • Emphasizes the role of anticoagulation and tailored rate or rhythm control in optimizing patient outcomes.

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