Impact of Atrial Fibrillation On Cardiovascular Mortality in the Setting of Myocardial Infarction

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
Mahmoud Suleiman, Doron Aranson

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly occurs in patient with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Potential triggers for AF development in this setting includes reduced left ventricular function, advanced diastolic dysfunction and mitral regurgitation leading to elevated left atrial pressures and atrial stretch. Other triggering mechanisms include inflammation and atrial ischemia. Multiple studies have shown that AF in patients with is associated with increased mortality. However, whether AF is a risk marker or a causal mediator of death remains controversial. There is relative dearth of data with regard to optimal management of AF in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. Patients with AMI who develop AF are at increased risk of stroke. However, the issue of the most appropriate antithrombotic regimens is complex given the need to balance stroke prevention against recurrent coronary events or stent thrombosis and the risk of bleeding. Presently, 'triple therapy' consisting of dual antiplatelet agents plus oral anticoagulants for 3-6 months or longer has been recommended for patients at moderate-high risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia seen in clinical practice, often coincides with acute ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.