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Current Cardiology Reports

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01-02-2019 | Heart Failure | Invasive Electrophysiology and Pacing (EK Heist, Section Editor)

Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure: Time to Implement Ablation Control

Authors: Alex Baher, Nassir F. Marrouche

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure and reduced systolic ejection fraction (HFrEF) is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and managing AF in this population has been particularly challenging with sparse data regarding the optimal treatment strategy.

Recent Findings

Recent data suggests that rhythm control with catheter ablation can be of particular benefit to patients with coexisting AF and HFrEF. Recent randomized control trials actually suggest that catheter ablation could potentially improve mortality in this particular patient population. This is in stark contrast to the current practice recommendations that reserve catheter ablation for symptomatic AF in the general population.

Summary

In this paper, we will review the most current randomized controlled studies using catheter ablation in HFrEF patients with the hope to increase awareness of the potential mortality benefits the need for prioritization of catheter ablation in HFrEF patients in the next AF management guidelines.

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Title: Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure: Time to Implement Ablation Control
Authors: Alex Baher
Nassir F. Marrouche
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Heart Failure
Atrial Fibrillation
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Published in: Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1093-0

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