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AFib has a number of significant consequences, including increased risk for thromboembolism, impaired hemodynamics, hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and mortality; in addition, for patients it results in the symptoms that relate to all of those and is an enormous contributor to the growing cost of medical care [4] [5] [6] [7] Of these consequences, this presentation will focus largely on thromboembolism. Thromboembolism is the result of a prothrombotic state that develops in the atria in some patients with AFib; in patients with certain structural disorders the risk of stroke is increased 4–5-fold. Thromboembolism can also result in microemboli, which can lead to reduced cognitive function.
Reiffel JA. Am J Med 2013; 126: 00-00.
[4] Van Gelder IC, Hemels ME. The progressive nature of atrial fibrillation: a rationale for early restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm. Europace. 2006;8:943-949.
[5] Narayan SM, Cain ME, Smith JM. Atrial fibrillation. Lancet. 1997;350:943-950.
[6] Wattigney WA, Mensah GA, Croft JB. Increasing trends in hospitalization for atrial fibrillation in the United States, 1985 through 1999: implications for primary prevention. Circulation. 2003;108:711-716.
[7] Wyse DG, Gersh BJ. Atrial fibrillation: a perspective: thinking inside and outside the box. Circulation. 2004;109:3089-3095.