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Published on: February 28, 2012
Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: Focus on Antithrombotic Management
Mohammed Obeidat1, Malcolm Burgess1, Gregory Y H Lip2
1Department of Cardiology, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Insights
Patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) face increased risks. Anticoagulation, particularly with non-vitamin K antagonists, is recommended for these patients to prevent stroke.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Thrombosis
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent in aging populations.
- These conditions frequently coexist and are interconnected.
- Their combined presence significantly increases morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between AF and HF.
- To examine the thromboembolic risks associated with coexisting AF and HF.
- To evaluate anticoagulation strategies for patients with both conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on the relationship between AF and HF.
- Analysis of stroke risks in patients with AF and HF.
- Comparison of anticoagulation therapies.
Main Results:
- Stroke risk is substantial in patients with AF and all HF subtypes.
- Combined AF and HF leads to higher morbidity and mortality.
- Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants demonstrate safety and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- All patients with coexisting AF and HF should be considered for anticoagulation.
- Non-vitamin K antagonists offer a favorable alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation in this population.
Abstract:
Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF), increasingly common in the aging population, are closely related and commonly found together. This article explores the relationship between AF and HF and the thromboembolic effect of these diseases. Morbidity and mortality are increased when the 2 conditions are seen together. Stroke risks are significant with AF and all subtypes of HF. This article suggests that all patients with AF and HF should be considered for anticoagulation. Current evidence suggests that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are effective and safe in AF and HF in comparison with warfarin.
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