title: New concepts in the therapy of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is a frequent arrhythmia with increasing prevalence. The paper reviews the most important present aspects and paradigms in the treatment of the arrhythmia. The main aim of treatment is directed to improve the quality of life while reducing morbidity and mortality. A large experience derived from epidemiological registers and clinical research, impressive advances in interventional electrophysiological therapies and the introduction of non-vitamin K antagonists had a dramatic impact on the medical approach. Recommended steps to classify and treat atrial fibrillation are presented and discussed.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Office, Rheinfelden, Switzerland. praxis@cocco.ch.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cocco
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jerie
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D015897:Comorbidity; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
keywords: atrial fibrillation