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Updated: May 29, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Atrial fibrillation: an epidemic in the elderly
Anne B Riley1, Warren J Manning
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Cardiology, Boston, MA, USA.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|September 1, 2011
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects older adults. This review covers recent advancements in AF pathophysiology, management strategies, and stroke risk reduction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, with incidence rising sharply with age.
- An aging global population means general practitioners will encounter more patients with AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding atrial fibrillation.
- To provide an overview of current AF management strategies, including rhythm vs. rate control.
- To discuss stroke risk stratification and prevention of thromboembolic complications in AF patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in atrial fibrillation research.
- Synthesis of current clinical guidelines and evidence for AF management.
- Analysis of stroke risk assessment tools and preventative measures.
Main Results:
- Recent research has deepened the understanding of AF pathophysiology.
- Current management focuses on rate control, rhythm control, and stroke prevention.
- Effective stroke risk stratification and prevention are crucial for AF patients.
Conclusions:
- Physicians require updated knowledge on AF pathophysiology and management.
- Optimizing treatment involves balancing rate and rhythm control strategies.
- Reducing the risk of ischemic stroke is a primary goal in AF patient care.
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