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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
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Atherosclerosis and Atrial Fibrillation: Double Trouble
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, 4800 Alberta Avenue, El Paso, TX, 79905, USA. mehran.abolbashari@ttuhsc.edu.
Current Cardiology Reports
|January 7, 2022
Summary
Managing cardiovascular risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerosis requires careful antithrombotic strategies. Current evidence suggests single-drug therapy may be safer for those with coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerosis frequently coexist, significantly increasing cardiovascular risk.
- Atherosclerosis burden, particularly extracranial, is a potent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in AF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerosis.
- To evaluate current antithrombotic approaches for managing these comorbid conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent retrospective studies and clinical trials evaluating MACE and antithrombotic therapies.
- Analysis of data from studies focusing on patients with AF and atherosclerotic disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Results:
- Atherosclerosis burden is a significant marker for adverse vascular outcomes in AF.
- The AFIRE trial indicated that rivaroxaban monotherapy is non-inferior to rivaroxaban plus aspirin in AF patients with stable CAD, offering a better safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Antithrombotic management in AF patients with atherosclerosis is complex and not fully elucidated.
- Further research is needed to identify specific patient subgroups who may benefit from more intensive antithrombotic strategies.
Keywords:
AtherosclerosisAtrial FibrillationCardiovascular adverse eventsCarotid diseaseCoronary artery diseasePeripheral artery diseaseMore Related Videos
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