Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

2007-05-08T10:33:00.000+01:00

This review is a pragmatic attempt to highlight recent research and some background reading on atrial fibrillation. It should not be considered exhaustive, simply a way of reviewing some of the major developments and current thinking in the area.

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Related review: Anticoagulation

Evidence-Based Reports

Anticoagulation post- cardioversion of acute atrial fibrillation in the emergency department. BestBETS, 2005
There was no difference in mortality when rate control versus rhythm control was used in the management of atrial fibrillation. Neurology CATs, 2004
Rate control was more cost effective than rhythm control in persistent atrial fibrillation. Evidence-Based Medicine (Requires free registration), 2005
Atrial fibrillation had a negative impact on quality of life, and treatment with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator with atrial therapies helped patients regain a sense of normalcy. Evidence-Based Nursing (Requires free registration), 2005
Pulmonary vein isolation was better than antiarrhythmic drugs for symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Evidence-Based Medicine (Requires free registration), 2006
Secondary prevention of stroke and TIA. Northern and Yorkshire Drug and Therapeutics Centre, 2007

Clinical Guidelines

Atrial fibrillation. PRODIGY, 2007
The management of atrial fibrillation. NICE, 2006
Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference : Atrial Fibrillation. 2004
Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: The Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy. American College of Chest Physicians, 2004
Atrial fibrillation. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, 2004
The Management of People with Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter. New Zealand Guidelines Group, 2005

Systematic Reviews

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. Swedish Council on Technology Assessement, 2005
Is pulse palpation helpful in detecting atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. DARE, 2006
High intensity focused ultrasound ablation for atrial fibrillation as an associated procedure with other cardiac surgery. NICE, 2006
Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery. NICE, 2005
Microwave ablation for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery. NICE, 2005
Cryoablation for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery. NICE, 2005
Percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. NICE, 2005
A randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness study of systematic screening (targeted and total population screening) versus routine practice for the detection of atrial fibrillation in people aged 65 and over. NCCHTA, 2005
Pharmacological cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and flutter. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005
Oral anticoagulants for preventing stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and no previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005
Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and flutter. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005
Rate vs rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. DARE, 2005

Recent articles in core journals

eTextbooks

Clinical Queries

How much of a risk is atrial flutter compared with atrial fibrillation for causing stroke. Is there evidence to show anticoagulation is still worthwhile in flutter? NLH Q&A Service, 2006 View answer OR Can you answer this question for extra CPD?
Which is more likely to lead to embolic stroke, continuous atrial fibrillation (AF) or paroxysmal AF? NLH Q&A Service, 2005
What is the optimum duration of treatment with amiodarone for patients following an episode of atrial fibrillation which is now resolved? NLH Q&A Service, 2006
Is there any evidence for using clopidogrel either alone or in combination with aspirin 75mg for a patient with atrial fibrillation? NLH Q&A Service, 2006
Is a loading dose of warfarin necassary in uncomplicated atrial fibrillation? NLH Q&A Service, 2006 View answer OR Can you answer this question for extra CPD?
Is there any good evidence for or against treating new onset fast AF (rate 140) in primary care, especially if asymptomatic? NLH Q&A Service, 2006
For women using anticoagulants what contraceptive options are safe? FFPRHC, 2006 View answer OR Can you answer this question for extra CPD?

Patient Information

TRIP Evidence Reviews: Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)