MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
What is AFib?
Disease State
With an estimated population-based prevalence of 0.95%, Atrial Fibrillation is by far the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice and accounts for more than 30% of patients hospitalised with arrhythmia.
Therapy Options
It is clear that effective maintenance of sinus rhythm can reduce morbidity, improve quality of life, and, by preserving left ventricular function and reducing thromboembolic risk, potentially reduce mortality associated with Afib. Clinical guidelines support a rhythm control strategy in patients with paroxysmal Afib notwithstanding the fact that up to 60% of patients on antiarrhythmic drugs are still in Afib.
Therapy Outcomes
Reviewing the increasing body of published data, the overall success rate of radiofrequency catheter ablation is around 80% considering Afib-free survival at one year as the endpoint.
Patient Selection
Catheter ablation is indicated for an ever-growing population of patients with atrial fibrillation. In general, patients that are referred for catheter ablation include those with paroxysmal or persistent Afib, have a left atrium size less than 5.0 cm, and have no structural heart disease.
Key Points
Afib is considered an emerging epidemic Afib greatly increases the risk of thromboembolic events and congestive heart failure, and places significant burden on both healthcare providers and the healthcare system.
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