Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Atrial fibrillation management: a prospective survey in ESC member countries: the Euro Heart Survey on Atrial
Robby Nieuwlaat1, Alessandro Capucci, A John Camm
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Maastricht, P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, Maastricht 6202AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands. r.nieuwlaat@cardio.azm.nl
European Heart Journal
|October 6, 2005
Summary
This study surveyed atrial fibrillation (AF) management across European Society of Cardiology (ESC) countries. Findings reveal significant gaps between current cardiology practices and established guidelines for stroke prevention and antiarrhythmic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia requiring effective management.
- Current clinical practices in AF care need evaluation against established guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe current atrial fibrillation (AF) management strategies in European Society of Cardiology (ESC) member countries.
- To assess adherence of clinical cardiology practices to existing AF guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 182 hospitals across 35 ESC member countries.
- Enrollment of 5333 ambulatory and hospitalized patients diagnosed with AF between 2003-2004.
- Data collection on AF type, comorbidities, symptoms, and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of concomitant diseases (90%) and stroke risk factors (86%) in AF patients.
- Oral anticoagulation prescribed in 67% of eligible and 49% of ineligible patients.
- Rhythm control strategies used in 67% of symptomatic and 44% of asymptomatic patients.
Conclusions:
- The survey offers a snapshot of contemporary AF management within ESC member nations.
- Significant discordance exists between current practices and guidelines concerning stroke prevention.
- Discrepancies were also noted in the application of antiarrhythmic therapies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pulse rhythm
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:30Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...