Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: prognostic significance and management

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2003 Dec;14(12 Suppl):S281-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2003.90404.x.

Abstract

AF in Heart Failure. Atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure are commonly occurring cardiac disorders that often exist concomitantly. The prognostic significance of the presence or absence of atrial fibrillation, as an independent risk factor, in patients with heart failure remains controversial. Antiarrhythmic drugs with good hemodynamic profiles and neutral effects on survival are preferred treatments for converting atrial fibrillation and maintaining sinus rhythm. Other standard therapies for congestive heart failure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and beta-blockers also have a role in the treatment of these coexisting disease states. The article presents an overview of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure and reviews the prevalence, prognostic significance, and efficacy of various antiarrhythmic agents for the conversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation / prevention & control
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Heart Failure / complications*
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Management / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / therapy

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents