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Review
. 2024 May;26(5):313-323.
doi: 10.1007/s11886-024-02040-7. Epub 2024 Mar 14.

Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Considerations

Besher Sadat  1 , Haider Al Taii  1 , Muhie Sabayon  1 , Chockalingam A Narayanan  2
Affiliations
Review

Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Considerations

Besher Sadat et al. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2024 May.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infarction (MI) often coexist, and this overlapping nature leads to heightened morbidity and increases the need for comprehensive risk management strategies. The precise trajectory and implications of atrial fibrillation complicating myocardial infarction remain subjects of debate, with divergent reports presenting varying accounts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth exploration of the existing literature to cover the predictors, implication, and available management of new onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Recent findings: Clinical risk factors, laboratory markers, echocardiographic findings, and angiographic data can be used to assess patients at risk of developing NOAF post-AMI. The diagnosis of NOAF post MI has been associated with overall worse short- and long-term prognosis with increased risk for mortality, cardiogenic shock, stroke, and bleeding, along with reduced rates of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, and higher risk of future recurrence of AF and ischemic stroke. Despite the paucity of preventative treatment, the optimal management of acute coronary syndrome and the use of guideline directed therapy do decrease the risk of development of atrial fibrillation post myocardial infarction.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Atrial fibrillation; Heart failure; Myocardial infarction; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Stroke.

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References

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