AF Information for Clinicians
Medical Journals and Reports
Reports
A review of atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF-related stroke public health policies
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is often asymptomatic--until it leads to complications or a stroke. In the US and EU, the annual economic burden of AFib and AFib-related stroke reaches into the billions ($/€), but governmental policies and clinical guidelines vary. To understand what works, the BMS–Pfizer Alliance conducted a comprehensive policy analysis across 10 countries with known clinical and public health AFib interventions, and identified actions for developing an effective health response, as well as emerging tools to support these efforts.
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ESC AF guidelines 2020: Detecting, Protecting, Correcting, and Perfecting AF
In collaboration with the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have revised their 2016 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The 2020 guidelines were presented at the virtual ESC Congress 2020 (29 August – 2 September) and published in the European Heart Journal.1 The AF Association has produced summaries of these guidelines in the context of its "Detect, Protect, Correct & Perfect" strategy, looking at the key recommendations for primary care, secondcary care, and tertiary care.
No Time For Silence
No time for silence: exploring policy approaches to investment in stroke prevention in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK is an independent report written by The Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by The Bristol Myers Squibb–Pfizer Alliance. The report considers policy and investment efforts around best practices for preventing stroke including resources for education, awareness and detection. To better understand variations in European policy, the research has been conducted across five major countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK
To dowload the report, click here
Screening strategies for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis- June 2017
A national screening programme for atrial fibrillation is likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources, with systematic opportunistic screening more likely to be cost-effective than systematic population screening. Nurse pulse palpation or modified blood pressure monitors would be appropriate screening tests, with confirmation by diagnostic 12-lead electrocardiography interpreted by a trained GP, with referral to a specialist in the case of an unclear diagnosis. Implementation strategies to operationalise uptake of systematic opportunistic screening in primary care should accompany any screening recommendations.
Patient - Doctor Discussion Guide
This guide is not for direct distribution to patients and is intended to support healthcare professional and patient discussion on atrial fibrillation (AF).
It will take about ten minutes and will help you make the most of the consultation time.
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Cardiac tachyarrhythmias and patient values and preferences for their management: the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulación Cardíaca y Electrofisiología (SOLEACE)- June 2017
Cardiac tachyarrhythmias are recurrent or chronic and in some cases life-threatening conditions. Heart rhythm disturbances are often highly symptomatic and the psychological impact of the disease can be significant. Patients' beliefs and knowledge about their health (and illness), medications, and healthcare they receive are important determinants of whether or not they accept recommended treatments; influence their coping responses to their illness and treatment; adherence to recommended therapy; and ultimately affects health outcomes. Incorporation of patients' values and preferences for therapy should now be considered as an integral part of the decision-making process and treatment strategy. It is important to acknowledge and understand the impact of cardiac tachyarrhythmias on the patient. To address this issue, a Task Force was convened by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulación Cardíaca y Electrofisiología (SOLEACE), with the remit to comprehensively review the published evidence available, to publish a joint consensus document on patient values and preferences for the management of cardiac tachyarrhythmias, and to provide up-to-date consensus recommendations for use in clinical practice.
Anticoagulation Task Force White Paper:
Managing reversal of direct oral anticoagulants in emergency situations
Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanisms by which anticoagulants confer therapeutic benefit also increase the risk of bleeding. As such, reversal strategies are critical. Until recently, the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban lacked a specific reversal agent. This report is based on findings from the Anticoagulation Education Task Force, which brought together patient groups and professionals representing different medical specialties with an interest in patient safety and expertise in AF, VTE, stroke, anticoagulation, and reversal agents, to discuss the current status of anticoagulation reversal and fundamental changes in management of bleeding associated with DOACs occasioned by the approval of idarucizumab, a specific reversal agent for dabigatran, as
well as recent clinical data on specific reversal agents for factor Xa inhibitors.
Atrial fibrillation and stroke: unrecognised and undertreated
The Lancet - August 2016
When did you or your primary care physician last palpate your wrist to check for a regular heart rate? This simple action, followed by an electrocardiogram if the heart rate is irregular, might be crucial in preventing death and disability from ischaemic stroke, heart failure, or myocardial infarction.
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
The Lancet - August 2016
Atrial fibrillation is found in a third of all ischaemic strokes, even more after post-stroke atrial fibrillation monitoring. Data from stroke registries show that both unknown and untreated or under treated atrial fibrillation is responsible for most of these strokes, which are often fatal or debilitating.
Lifestyle management to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation
Celine Gallagher, Jeroen M. L. Hendriks, Rajiv Mahajan, Melissa E. Middeldorp, Adrian D. Elliott, Rajeev K. Pathak, Prashanthan Sanders &
Dennis H. Lau - 3 May 2016
Association of Smoking, Alcohol, and Obesity with Cardiovascular Death and Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS)
12 January 2016
Effect of Active Smoking on Comparative Efficacy of Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The Loire Valley Atrial Fibrillation Project
August 2015
Incidence, mortality, and sex differences of non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A population-based study.
American Heart Association, 3 November 2014
It is unclear whether the incidence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) has been increasing over time. We (American Heart Association) aimed to provide contemporary estimates of the incidence and case-fatality of NVAF in a well-defined population, using the computerised databases of the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.
The impact of smoking on thromboembolism and mortality in patients with incident atrial fibrillation: insights from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health study
1 March 2014
Body mass index and adverse events in patients with incident atrial fibrillation
July 2013
Herbal and non-herbal supplement use in warfarin-treated patients and the impact on warfarin safety and efficacy
The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management, January 2012
This article explores th use of supplements by people who take warfarin, the interactions and the data obtained from studies in this area.
Stroke Prevention in AF, Avoiding a Stroke Crisis
Dec 2009
Action for Stroke Prevention, an alliance of cardiologists, neurologists, family doctors and patient groups, have urged EU policymakers to improve stroke risk assessment and diagnosis of atrial fibrillation before the increasing frequency of strokes becomes "a major public health crisis.’’
Touch Briefings
As part of a Media partnership with Touch Briefings, AFA members receive free eBook access to Touch Briefings ‘European Cardiology’ Volume 7 Issue 3
European Cardiology is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal that includes review articles, case reports, practice guidelines and original research. Guided by an Editorial Board of world-renowned physicians, European Cardiology comprises articles from recognised thought leaders to deliver comprehensive update on the most important clinical issues facing everyday cardiovascular care. In this latest issue – Volume 7 Issue 3 – Patrick T Murray et al contribute an insightful article entitled ‘Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin as a Cardiovascular Biomarker’. The review explores the novel roles of NGAL in the cardiovascular system, and highlights some of the key research findings in this rapidly evolving field. Elsewhere, Rajarshi Banerjee and Paul Leeson examine risk reduction in childhood obesity. The article provides timely update on recent studies into potential interventions in childhood that may ameliorate the future burden of weight-related disease.
To access the current edition in full and free eBook format, please click here.
Touch Briefings ‘US Cardiology’ Volume 8 Issue 2
US Cardiology is a bi-annual peer-reviewed journal that includes review articles, case reports, practice guidelines and original research. Guided by an Editorial Board of world-renowned physicians, US Cardiology comprises articles from recognised thought leaders to deliver comprehensive update on the most important clinical issues facing everyday cardiovascular care. In this latest issue – Volume 8 Issue 2 – Barry L Carter contributes an article entitled ‘Blood Pressure Control—Implementing a Team Approach’ in which he reports that team-based care models have achieved far higher rates of BP control than other strategies. Dr Carter suggests that because healthcare teams can substantially improve outcomes, implementing pay-for-performance and other means may make such approaches much more attractive to providers and health systems. Elsewhere, Peter A McCullough and colleagues review the array of treatments used in combination for stable coronary disease and ACS and provide insightful critical guidance concerning benefits, risks, and dose adjustments required for patients with baseline CKD.
To access the current edition in full and free eBook format, please click here.
For more information, please visit our Touch Cardiology website.
'Treatment Strategies - Cardiology', free to view e-Book
Treatment Strategies - Cardiology is a print and on-line eBook publication that provides its readership with a collection of comprehensive and thought provoking articles from the most respected key opinion leaders, leading doctors and authorities in the cardiology field. The series informs and educates clinicians on the latest therapeutic and technological advances.
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