title: Management of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic heart failure (CHF) are two major and even growing cardiovascular conditions that often coexist. However, few data are available to guide treatment of AF in patients with CHF. This review summarizes current literature concerning the following topics: (i) prognostic relevance of AF in patients with CHF, (ii) relevance and strategies of rhythm and rate control in patients with AF and CHF, and (iii) options for prevention of AF in patients with ventricular dysfunction. In conclusion, AF is associated with increased mortality in CHF patients. However, it is not clear whether there is a causal relationship. Emerging strategies to prevent the occurrence of AF are promising tools that might improve quality of life and survival in patients with CHF.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie, und Internistische Intensivmedizin;, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. h.neuberger@tiscali.de
authors.forename: Hans-Ruprecht
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Neuberger
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mewis
authors.forename: Dirk J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: van Veldhuisen
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schotten
authors.forename: Isabelle C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: van Gelder
authors.forename: Maurits A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Allessie
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Böhm
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans