Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: Focus on Antithrombotic Management

Mohammed Obeidat1, Malcolm Burgess1, Gregory Y H Lip2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK.

Heart Failure Clinics
|November 19, 2019
PubMed

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.

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