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Review
. 2005 Jan 29;330(7485):238-43.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.330.7485.238.

Recent developments in atrial fibrillation

M Bilal Iqbal  1 , Anil K Taneja, Gregory Y H Lip, Marcus Flather
Affiliations
Review

Recent developments in atrial fibrillation

M Bilal Iqbal et al. BMJ. .
No abstract available

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Classification of atrial fibrillation. *When a patient has had two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation, this is termed recurrent. Both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation are potentially recurrent arrhythmias. †With time, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may become persistent; likewise, both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation may become permanent
Fig 2
Fig 2
Advantages and disadvantages of “rate control” and “rhythm control”
Fig 3
Fig 3
Algorithm for anticoagulating patients with atrial fibrillation. *Thyrotoxicosis is associated with a high thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation with warfarin, if no contraindications exist, at least until a euthyroid state is achieved and congestive heart failure has been corrected. †Owing to lack of sufficient clear cut evidence, treatment may be decided on an individual basis, and the physician must balance the risks and benefits of warfarin versus aspirin; referral and echocardiography may help in these cases. ‡In patients with older prosthetic valves, the target INR should be higher and aspirin added depending on valve type, valve position, and patient factors. INR=international normalised ratio; CVA=cerebrovascular accident; TIA=transient ischaemic attack
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