title: Atrial fibrillation: state of the art.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is by far the most frequent heart rhythm disorder and is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Despite improvements in prevention and treatment, the prognosis has not changed significantly. To use new and promising pharmacological and interventional concepts for thromboembolic prophylaxis and treatment of AF, as well as prevention of recurrence, patient compliance has to be improved, physicians have to be trained and experience hast to be gained. A consistently carried 'anticoagulation pass' might be a promising piece of the puzzle.
authors.affiliation: 2. Medizinische Abteilung, Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung, Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hasun
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gatterer
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Weidinger
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants