Atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with increased risks of mortality, stroke, heart failure, impaired quality of life, and cognitive decline. Rhythm control has proven superior to rate control in reducing cardiovascular outcomes, with catheter ablation demonstrating greater efficacy than antiarrhythmic drug therapy.– Continuous advances in techniques and technologies have progressively established ablation as a cornerstone in the management of AF. In recent years, 3D mapping and point-by-point ablation have evolved significantly with the introduction of contact force-sensing catheters and […]

In the ever-evolving landscape of cardiac care, the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) has emerged as a promising tool for predicting the onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients experiencing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This innovative scoring system offers insights into patient outcomes and empowers healthcare providers to make real-time, informed decisions. Understanding and utilizing this score can enhance patient management and improve survival rates. Let us explore how the NPS transforms the approach to STEMI and AF prediction. AF […]

In 1991, Wolf et al. on the Framingham study demonstrated that atrial fibrillation (AF) constitutes an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Hart et al., in a meta-analysis, confirmed warfarin’s effectiveness in lowering stroke risk by 64% in AF patients. A slight increase in major extracranial hemorrhage was observed, which did not impact overall efficacy. Unpredictable pharmacokinetics, interactions, and INR monitoring needs have limited warfarin use. In low-middle income countries (LMICs) like Brazil, socio-economic disparities affected warfarin use in AF […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share common risk factors and often co-exist: 20% of patients with CKD have symptomatic AF, whereas around 50% of patients with AF will have some degree of renal impairment. Patients with both conditions have a five-fold increased risk of stroke, three-fold increased risk of congestive heart failure, higher cardiovascular morbidity, and all-cause mortality compared with patients who only have either AF or CKD. The incidence rates of AF in a large nationwide […]

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a widely used and established procedure in clinical practice. Several randomized studies have demonstrated the superiority of this method in patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF who are symptomatic and refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy, with a strong positive impact on quality of life and in reducing the clinical recurrence of this arrhythmia, regardless of the type of energy used.– The primary objective of the procedure is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins, associated or […]

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery and the most common cause of secondary atrial fibrillation (AF). Although it occurs at different rates depending on the type of cardiac operation, it has been reported to occur in approximately 20% of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Despite technological advances and all the preventive strategies developed, it is still relatively common., POAF increases the length and cost of hospitalization and is associated with […]