Arial fibrillation

More prevention than cure

  • Gabriel Vanerio Balbela Cardiologist
  • Daniel Banina Aguerre Postgraduate Cardiology Physician
  • Juan Luis Vidal Amaral Cardiologist
  • Pablo Fernández Banizi Cardiologist
  • Ana Vanerio de León Postgraduate Cardiology Physician
  • Gustavo López Achigar Internist
Keywords: ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia. It affects 0.6% of the overall population and 6 to 8% in elderly people aged 60 to 80 years respectively. Patients with atrial fibrillation show a morbility five times higher and twice mortality rates.
This review analyzes electric and anatomy atrial remodelation. Risk factors are also discussed: age, followed by diastolic heart failure, are the most relevant risk factors. Aggresive treatment might invert structural changes provoked by hypertension, and could prevent atrial fibrillation.
Effects of non-antiarrhythmic and antiarrhythmic drugs are described. Finally we focused on primary and secondary prevention.
Atrial fibrillation is not an homogenous entity: many parameters affect initiation, perpetuation and ending ot this condition. For many patients, our goal is modest: to reduce frequency, lenght and severity of episodes; but for other patients, prevention may be definitive.

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Published
2005-12-30
How to Cite
1.
Vanerio Balbela G, Banina Aguerre D, Vidal Amaral JL, Fernández Banizi P, Vanerio de León A, López Achigar G. Arial fibrillation. Rev. Méd. Urug. [Internet]. 2005Dec.30 [cited 2024May17];21(4):269-81. Available from: http://www2.rmu.org.uy/ojsrmu311/index.php/rmu/article/view/790
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