Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation and flutter.
Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are important risk factors for stroke. Based on a literature search, pathogenesis of thromboembolism, risk assessment in patients, efficacy of anticoagulation therapy and its alternatives are discussed. Special emphasis is put on issues like paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and anticoagulation surrounding catheter ablation and cardioversion. A strategy for anticoagulation around the time of pulmonary vein ablation is suggested.
Scholten
M F
MF
Department of Clinical Electrophysiology, Thoraxcentre, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.f.scholten@erasmusmc.nl
Thornton
A S
AS
Mekel
J M
JM
Koudstaal
P J
PJ
Jordaens
L J
LJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications*; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants