ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation is the commonest sustained cardiac rhythm disorder which confers significant mortality and morbidity from stroke, thromboembolism and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation is encountered in a wide variety of clinical settings, including ischaemic heart disease, valve disease, hypertension, thyroid disease and post operatively. There have been new and dramatic developments in atrial fibrillation, with regard to non-pharmacological management strategies and antithrombotic therapy. This book sets out a logical approach to the practical and clinical management of this common cardiac arrhythmia. Illustrated with 86 ECGs and line drawings, and extensively referenced, it is a unique guide and source of information for everyone managing patients with atrial fibrillation, both in general practice and in hospitals.

1. History of Atrial Fibrillation 2. Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation 3. Clinical Implications and Importance 4. Common Causes of Atrial Fibrillation 5. Atrial Fibrillation and Surgery 6. Lone Atrial Fibrillation 7. Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation: haemodynamics, thromboembolic risk, hypercoagulability 8. Electrophysiology 9. Clinical Features, Presenting Features and Complications of Atrial Fibrillation 10. Basic Investigations and Initial Assessment 11. Non-Pharmacological Strategies For Atrial Fibrillation 12. Management Strategies For Atrial Fibrillation 13. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation 14. Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Cardioversion 15. Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Rate Control 16. Antithrombotic Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation