Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Risk factors, atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic events.
G Novo1, P Mansueto, M L La Franca
1Unit of Cardiovascular Diseases and Division of Cardiology, P. Giaccone Polyclinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular and Nephro-Urological Diseases, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. pepenovo@hotmail.com
Summary
Older age, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive heart disease (HHD), and hyperfibrinogenemia increase the risk of thromboembolic complications in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Strict blood pressure control may prevent these adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with increased risk of thromboembolic complications.
- Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) and the occurrence of thromboembolic complications.
- To determine the impact of specific comorbidities and patient characteristics on thromboembolic events in AF patients.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 480 patients with either paroxysmal or permanent AF.
- Analysis of the association between AF, risk factors, cardiac/systemic diseases, and thromboembolic complications.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of hypertension, hypertensive heart disease (HHD), coronary artery disease, and hyperthyroidism in AF patients.
- Thromboembolism occurred in 26.6% of patients.
- Significant correlations found between thromboembolism and older age, diabetes mellitus, HHD, and hyperfibrinogenemia.
Conclusions:
- Older age, diabetes mellitus, HHD, and hyperfibrinogenemia are strongly associated with thromboembolic complications in AF.
- Effective pharmacological control of hypertension did not correlate with increased thromboembolic events.
- Strict blood pressure management may be key in preventing thromboembolic complications in AF.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...