MEDICAL SCIENCES
Role of Catheter Ablation in the Comprehensive Management of Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) are limited by a relatively low efficacy and substantial side effects. Interventional electrophysiology became an effective option in the management of selected patients with AF. Current guidelines recommend catheter ablation for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF for whom AADs have failed (class I). Patient with AF and multi-cardiovascular morbidities might have more recurrence rate of AF after ablation compared to those without significant morbidities. Advancement of technology would further improve the safety profile and clinical outcome of AF ablation. Future research would further refine our knowledge and might expand the groups of AF patients who would derive clinical benefit from AF ablation. Early referral of ideal candidate for AF ablation is much appreciated as it would be associated with better outcome at long term. Rami Riziq Yousef Abumuaileq Consultant Cardiologist, Palestinian Medical Services, Gaza, Palestine
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trial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. The currently estimated prevalence of AF in adults is around 2 per cent. With ageing of the world population and intensifying search for undiagnosed AF, the prevalence of AF is expected to increase. Increasing age is a prominent AF risk factor, but other comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnoea are also important and relatively modifiable risk factors which are considered potent contributors to AF development and progression.
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A SI A N H O S P I T A L & H EA LT HCA R E M A N AGE M E N T
IS S UE - 56, 2022
