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Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: Current treatment of patients with remodeled atria

Current Heart Failure Reports volume 5, pages 219–225 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic heart failure (CHF) can be caused by each other, and therefore constitute a vicious circle. The prevalence of both conditions is about 1% in industrialized countries and increases with age. Although mortality is increased in heart failure, the additional prognostic relevance of AF in these patients is less clear. AF in patients with CHF can worsen heart failure symptoms, cause complications (eg, stroke), and is difficult to treat. Thus, prevention of AF entirely is an important goal. This review summarizes recent data concerning prognostic relevance, treatment, and means of primary and secondary prevention of AF in patients with CHF.

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Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, D-66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany

    Hans-Ruprecht Neuberger

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  1. Hans-Ruprecht Neuberger
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  2. Jan-Christian Reil
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  3. Oliver Adam
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  4. Ulrich Laufs
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Correspondence to Hans-Ruprecht Neuberger.

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Neuberger, HR., Reil, JC., Adam, O. et al. Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: Current treatment of patients with remodeled atria. Curr Heart Fail Rep 5, 219–225 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-008-0033-x

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Keywords

  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Digoxin
  • Amiodarone
  • Chronic Heart Failure
  • Sinus Rhythm