Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: current treatment of patients with remodeled atria.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic heart failure (CHF) can be caused by each other, and therefore constitute a vicious circle. The prevalence of both conditions is about 1% in industrialized countries and increases with age. Although mortality is increased in heart failure, the additional prognostic relevance of AF in these patients is less clear. AF in patients with CHF can worsen heart failure symptoms, cause complications (eg, stroke), and is difficult to treat. Thus, prevention of AF entirely is an important goal. This review summarizes recent data concerning prognostic relevance, treatment, and means of primary and secondary prevention of AF in patients with CHF.
Neuberger
Hans-Ruprecht
HR
Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, D-66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany. hr.neuberger@t-online.de
Reil
Jan-Christian
JC
Adam
Oliver
O
Laufs
Ulrich
U
Mewis
Christian
C
Böhm
Michael
M
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention; D011379:Prognosis