New Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Forever?

New Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Forever? Circulation. 2013 Jun 14; Authors: Verheugt FW Abstract Atrial fibrillation is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia in clinical cardiology. It affects about 1% of the population, and of individuals over the age of 80 about 10% have this rhythm disturbance. Due to the loss of the atrial contribution to ventricular filling, left ventricular function is diminished resulting in a propensity to heart failure, fatigue and disability. Furthermore, the sensation of palpations can be very disturbing for younger patients and may hamper them in their physical and professional activities. Finally, the diminished blood flow through the heart, especially the left atrium, may lead to thrombosis in the left atrium and the left atrial appendage resulting in systemic embolisation. Although many of the characteristic risks and consequences of atrial fibrillation are known for several decades, little progress has been made in the management of the disease until the last 10 years. Correction of the heart rhythm either pharmacologically or by electrocardioversion has not improved clinical outcome(1-3). Pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation can be helpful in slowing the heart rate but restoring sinus rhythm is rarely successful over time and may even be deleterious(1,2). Prevention of thromboembolism and stroke can be achieved by the use of oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. Alth...
Source: Circulation - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Circulation Source Type: research