Atrial Fibrillation: A New Perspective on an Old Problem – MM1701
The three cornerstones of atrial fibrillation (AF) management have traditionally been anticoagulation, rate control and rhythm control. There is evidence that modification of the following main risk factors, obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity and exercise improves outcomes. Treatment of patients with sleep apnoea using continuous positive airway pressure reduces the risk and recurrence of AF. Patients undergoing cardioversion or AF ablation should be actively screened for sleep apnoea and treated if it is present. Light to moderate exercise is protective against AF. Risk factor management is essential in conjunction with antiarrhythmic medications and AF ablation to maximise treatment effects.
Modern Medicine – January 2017
