Silver Book

Silver Book Fact

Atrial fibrillation ablation prevents recurrence of AFib

Atrial fibrillation ablation, which involves using a catheter inserted into the heart to destroy electrical conduction tissue in or near the atria, prevents the recurrence of atrial fibrillation in up to 80% of selected patients.

Weisfeldt M, Zeiman S. Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease: One of the most important contributors to improved human survival is the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Health Aff. 2007; 26(1): 25-37. http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/26/1/25

Reference

Title
Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease: One of the most important contributors to improved human survival is the treatment of cardiovascular disease
Publication
Health Aff
Publication Date
2007
Authors
Weisfeldt M, Zeiman S
Volume & Issue
Volume 26, Issue 1
Pages
25-37
URL
Read Full Resource

Categories

  • Innovative Medical Research
  • Human Value

Related Facts

  • Effectiveness of pacemaker/defibrillators to control AFib
    Widespread use of pacemaker/defibrillators to control atrial fibrillation could result in a 50% decrease in stroke.  
  • Decrease in AFib hospitalization rates
    The use of practice guidelines in atrial fibrillation patients saw a decrease in rate of hospitalization from 74%to 38%.  
  • Cost-savings associated with optimal anticoagulation in AFib patients
    If half of all atrial fibrillation patients receiving suboptimal or no anticoagulation instead received optimal anticoagulation, 28,000 strokes could be prevented each year at a savings of around $2.5 billion in direct…  
  • Adjusted-dose warfarin reduced stroke risk in AFib patients
    Meta-analysis of randomized trials found that adjusted-dose warfarin reduced stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients by 60%. Antiplatelet agents reduced risk by 20%.  
  • Identifying individuals at high risk for developing AFib
    Using simple bedside measures, identification of individuals at risk for developing atrial fibrillation is feasible. Selecting high-risk individuals for inclusion in atrial fibrillation prevention trials may also enhance prevention strategies.