Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is commonly experienced by patients with heart failure, and as the heart failure progresses and worsens, the more likely the patient is to develop atrial fibrillation. Several factors play into this, including common risk factors, such as advanced age, hypertension, and ischemic or valvular heart disease. Treatment is aimed at anticoagulation, to prevent thromboembolic stroke, and rate control to prevent further hemodynamic compromise. Rhythm control may be beneficial for many patients, and this can be accomplished through the use of antiarrhythmic medications, cardioversion, and/or ablation.