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- Camm, A. John, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy and safety of vernakalant in patients with atrial flutter: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- 2012
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1532-2092 .- 1099-5129. ; 14:6, s. 804-809
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vernakalant is a novel, relatively atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agent for conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm. This study examined the safety and efficacy of vernakalant in converting atrial flutter (AFL) to sinus rhythm. This was a phase 2/3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adults with AFL received either a 10 min infusion of 3.0 mg/kg vernakalant (n 39) or placebo (n 15). If AFL or AF persisted at the end of a 15 min observation period, a second 10 min infusion of 2.0 mg/kg vernakalant or placebo was administered. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients who had treatment-induced conversion of AFL to sinus rhythm for a minimum duration of 1 min within 90 min after the start of the first infusion. No patient in the placebo group met the primary outcome. Only one patient receiving vernakalant (1 of 39, 3) converted to sinus rhythm. A reduced mean absolute ventricular response rate occurred within 50 min in patients receiving vernakalant (mean change from baseline 8.2 b.p.m.) vs. patients receiving placebo (0.2 b.p.m.) (P 0.037). A post-hoc analysis revealed that vernakalant increased AFL cycle length by an average of 55 ms, whereas the AFL cycle length was unchanged in the placebo group (P 0.001). There was no occurrence of 1 : 1 atrio-ventricular conduction. Dysgeusia and sneezing were the most common treatment-related adverse events, consistent with previous reports. Vernakalant did not restore sinus rhythm in patients with AFL. Vernakalant modestly slowed AFL and ventricular response rates, and was well tolerated.
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- Connolly, Stuart J, et al.
(author)
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Dronedarone in High-Risk Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
- 2011
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In: New England Journal of Medicine. - 0028-4793 .- 1533-4406. ; 365:24, s. 2268-2276
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Dronedarone restores sinus rhythm and reduces hospitalization or death in intermittent atrial fibrillation. It also lowers heart rate and blood pressure and has antiadrenergic and potential ventricular anti-arrhythmic effects. We hypothesized that dronedarone would reduce major vascular events in high-risk permanent atrial fibrillation. Methods We assigned patients who were at least 65 years of age with at least a 6-month history of permanent atrial fibrillation and risk factors for major vascular events to receive dronedarone or placebo. The first coprimary outcome was stroke, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, or death from cardiovascular causes. The second coprimary outcome was unplanned hospitalization for a cardiovascular cause or death. Results After the enrollment of 3236 patients, the study was stopped for safety reasons. The first coprimary outcome occurred in 43 patients receiving dronedarone and 19 receiving placebo (hazard ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34 to 3.94; P=0.002). There were 21 deaths from cardiovascular causes in the dronedarone group and 10 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.00 to 4.49; P=0.046), including death from arrhythmia in 13 patients and 4 patients, respectively (hazard ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.06 to 10.00; P=0.03). Stroke occurred in 23 patients in the dronedarone group and 10 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.88; P=0.02). Hospitalization for heart failure occurred in 43 patients in the dronedarone group and 24 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.99; P=0.02). Conclusions Dronedarone increased rates of heart failure, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who were at risk for major vascular events. Our data show that this drug should not be used in such patients.
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- Graham, Ian, et al.
(author)
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European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice: full text. Fourth Joint Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and other societies on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (constituted by representatives of nine societies and by invited experts).
- 2007
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In: European journal of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation : official journal of the European Society of Cardiology, Working Groups on Epidemiology & Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1741-8267. ; 14 Suppl 2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Other experts who contributed to parts of the guidelines: Edmond Walma, Tony Fitzgerald, Marie Therese Cooney, Alexandra Dudina European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG): Alec Vahanian (Chairperson), John Camm, Raffaele De Caterina, Veronica Dean, Kenneth Dickstein, Christian Funck-Brentano, Gerasimos Filippatos, Irene Hellemans, Steen Dalby Kristensen, Keith McGregor, Udo Sechtem, Sigmund Silber, Michal Tendera, Petr Widimsky, Jose Luis Zamorano Document reviewers: Irene Hellemans (CPG Review Co-ordinator), Attila Altiner, Enzo Bonora, Paul N. Durrington, Robert Fagard, Simona Giampaoli, Harry Hemingway, Jan Hakansson, Sverre Erik Kjeldsen, Mogens Lytken Larsen, Giuseppe Mancia, Athanasios J. Manolis, Kristina Orth-Gomer, Terje Pedersen, Mike Rayner, Lars Ryden, Mario Sammut, Neil Schneiderman, Anton F. Stalenhoef, Lale Tokgözoglu, Olov Wiklund, Antonis Zampelas
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- Kirchhof, Paulus, et al.
(author)
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Comprehensive risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation : emerging diagnostic and therapeutic options - a report from the 3rd Atrial Fibrillation Competence NETwork/European Heart Rhythm Association consensus conference
- 2012
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 14:1, s. 8-27
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- While management of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is improved by guideline-conform application of anticoagulant therapy, rate control, rhythm control, and therapy of accompanying heart disease, the morbidity and mortality associated with AF remain unacceptably high. This paper describes the proceedings of the 3rd Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET)/European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus conference that convened over 60 scientists and representatives from industry to jointly discuss emerging therapeutic and diagnostic improvements to achieve better management of AF patients. The paper covers four chapters: (i) risk factors and risk markers for AF; (ii) pathophysiological classification of AF; (iii) relevance of monitored AF duration for AF-related outcomes; and (iv) perspectives and needs for implementing better antithrombotic therapy. Relevant published literature for each section is covered, and suggestions for the improvement of management in each area are put forward. Combined, the propositions formulate a perspective to implement comprehensive management in AF.
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- Vaduganathan, Muthiah, et al.
(author)
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Dronedarone for the treatment of atrial fibrillation with concomitant heart failure with preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction : a post-hoc analysis of the ATHENA trial
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 24:6, s. 1094-1101
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Limited therapeutic options are available for the management of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) with concomitant heart failure (HF) with preserved (HFpEF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Dronedarone reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with AF, but sparse data are available examining its role in patients with AF complicated by HFpEF and HFmrEF. Methods and results: ATHENA was an international, multicentre trial that randomized 4628 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF/AFL and cardiovascular risk factors to dronedarone 400 mg twice daily versus placebo. We evaluated patients with (i) symptomatic HFpEF and HFmrEF (defined as left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] >40%, evidence of structural heart disease, and New York Heart Association class II/III or diuretic use), (ii) HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF ≤40%), and (iii) those without HF. We assessed effects of dronedarone versus placebo on death or cardiovascular hospitalization (primary endpoint), other key efficacy endpoints, and safety. Overall, 534 (12%) had HFpEF or HFmrEF, 422 (9%) had HFrEF or left ventricular dysfunction, and 3672 (79%) did not have HF. Patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF had a mean age of 73 ± 9 years, 37% were women, and had a mean LVEF of 57 ± 9%. Over a mean follow-up of 21 ± 5 months, dronedarone consistently reduced risk of death or cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.84) without heterogeneity based on HF status (pinteraction >0.10). This risk reduction in the primary endpoint was consistent across the range of LVEF (as a continuous function) in HF without heterogeneity (pinteraction = 0.71). Rates of death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and HF hospitalization each directionally favoured dronedarone versus placebo in HFpEF and HFmrEF, but these treatment effects were not statistically significant in this subgroup. Conclusions: Dronedarone is associated with reduced cardiovascular events in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF/AFL and HF across the spectrum of LVEF, including among those with HFpEF and HFmrEF. These data support a rationale for a future dedicated and powered clinical trial to affirm the net clinical benefit of dronedarone in this population.
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- Vardas, Panos E., et al.
(author)
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Orientações para pacing cardíaco e terapia deressincronização cardíaca
- 2008
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In: Revista portuguesa de cardiologia : orgão oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia = Portuguese journal of cardiology : an official journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. - 0870-2551. ; 27:5, s. 639-687
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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- Ageno, Walter, et al.
(author)
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Managing reversal of direct oral anticoagulants in emergency situations Anticoagulation Education Task Force White Paper
- 2016
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In: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - : SCHATTAUER GMBH-VERLAG MEDIZIN NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN. - 0340-6245 .- 2567-689X. ; 116:6, s. 1003-1010
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanisms by which anticoagulants confer therapeutic benefit also increase the risk of bleeding. As such, reversal strategies are critical. Until recently, the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban lacked a specific reversal agent. This report is based on findings from the Anticoagulation Education Task Force, which brought together patient groups and professionals representing different medical specialties with an interest in patient safety and expertise in AF, VTE, stroke, anticoagulation, and reversal agents, to discuss the current status of anticoagulation reversal and fundamental changes in management of bleeding associated with DOACs occasioned by the approval of idarucizumab, a specific reversal agent for dabigatran, as well as recent clinical data on specific reversal agents for factor Xa inhibitors. Recommendations are given for when there is a definite need for a reversal agent (e.g. in cases of life-threatening bleeding, bleeding into a closed space or organ, persistent bleeding despite local haemostatic measures, and need for urgent interventions and/or interventions that carry a high risk for bleeding), when reversal agents may be helpful, and when a reversal agent is generally not needed. Key stakeholders who require 24-7/around-the-clock access to these agents vary among hospitals; however, from a practical perspective the emergency department is recommended as an appropriate location for these agents. Clearly, the advent of new agents requires standardised protocols for treating bleeding on an institutional level.
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- Batra, Gorav, et al.
(author)
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Data standards for atrial fibrillation/flutter and catheter ablation : The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart)
- 2023
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In: European Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes. - : Oxford University Press. - 2058-5225 .- 2058-1742. ; 9:6, s. 609-620
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: Standardized data definitions are essential for monitoring and assessment of care and outcomes in observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart) project of the European Society of Cardiology aimed to develop contemporary data standards for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) and catheter ablation.METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the EuroHeart methodology for development of data standards and formed a Working Group comprising 23 experts in AF/AFL and catheter ablation registries, as well as representatives from the European Heart Rhythm Association and EuroHeart. We conducted a systematic literature review of AF/AFL and catheter ablation registries and data standard documents to generate candidate variables. We used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on a final variable set. For each variable, the Working Group developed permissible values and definitions, and agreed as to whether the variable was mandatory (Level 1) or additional (Level 2). In total, 70 Level 1 and 92 Level 2 variables were selected and reviewed by a wider Reference Group of 42 experts from 24 countries. The Level 1 variables were implemented into the EuroHeart IT platform as the basis for continuous registration of individual patient data.CONCLUSION: By means of a structured process and working with international stakeholders, harmonized data standards for AF/AFL and catheter ablation for AF/AFL were developed. In context of the EuroHeart project, this will facilitate country-level quality of care improvement, international observational research, registry-based RCTs and post-marketing surveillance of devices and pharmacotherapies.
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- Becher, Nina, et al.
(author)
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Anticoagulation with edoxaban in patients with long atrial high-rate episodes ≥24 h
- 2024
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In: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 45:10, s. 837-849
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with long atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) ≥ 24 hours and stroke risk factors are often treated with anticoagulation for stroke prevention. Anticoagulation has never been compared to no anticoagulation in these patients.METHODS: This secondary prespecified analysis of NOAH-AFNET 6 examined interactions between AHRE duration at baseline and anticoagulation with edoxaban compared to placebo in patients with AHRE and stroke risk factors. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, or cardiovascular death. The safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding and death. Key secondary outcomes were components of these outcomes and ECG-diagnosed atrial fibrillation.RESULTS: AHRE ≥24 hours were present at baseline in 259/2389 patients enrolled in NOAH-AFNET 6 (11%, 78 ± 7 years old, 28% women, CHA2DS2-VASc score 4). Clinical characteristics were not different from patients with shorter AHRE. During a median follow-up of 1.8 years, the primary outcome occurred in 9/132 patients with AHRE ≥24 hours (4.3%/patient-year, 2 strokes) treated with anticoagulation and in 14/127 patients treated with placebo (6.9%/patient-year, 2 strokes). AHRE duration did not interact with the efficacy (p-interaction = 0.65) or safety (p-interaction = 0.98) of anticoagulation. Analyses including AHRE as a continuous parameter confirmed this. Patients with AHRE ≥24 hours developed more ECG-diagnosed atrial fibrillation (17.0%/patient-year) than patients with shorter AHRE (8.2%/patient-year; p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: This hypothesis-generating analysis does not find an interaction between AHRE duration and anticoagulation therapy in patients with device-detected AHRE and stroke risk factors. Further research is needed to identify patients with long AHRE at high stroke risk.
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- Boriani, Giuseppe, et al.
(author)
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Safety and efficacy of dronedarone from clinical trials to real-world evidence : implications for its use in atrial fibrillation
- 2019
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In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press. - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 21:12, s. 1764-1775
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Efficacy and safety of dronedarone was shown in the ATHENA trial for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Further trials revealed safety concerns in patients with heart failure and permanent AF. This review summarizes insights from recent real-world studies and meta-analyses, including reports on efficacy, with focus on liver safety, mortality risk in patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF, and interactions of dronedarone with direct oral anticoagulants. Reports of rapidly progressing liver failure in dronedarone-prescribed patients in 2011 led to regulatory cautions about potential liver toxicity. Recent real-world evidence suggests dronedarone liver safety profile is similar to other antiarrhythmics and liver toxicity could be equally common with many Class III antiarrhythmics. Dronedarone safety concerns (increased mortality in patients with permanent AF) were raised based on randomized controlled trials (RCT) (ANDROMEDA and PALLAS), but comedication with digoxin may have increased the mortality rates in PALLAS, considering the dronedarone-digoxin pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction. Real-world data on apixaban-dronedarone interactions and edoxaban RCT observations suggest no significant safety risks for these drug combinations. Median trough plasma concentrations of dabigatran 110 mg during concomitant use with dronedarone are at acceptable levels, while PK data on the rivaroxaban-dronedarone interaction are unavailable. In RCTs and real-world studies, dronedarone significantly reduces AF burden and cardiovascular hospitalizations, and demonstrates a low risk for proarrhythmia in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. The concerns on liver safety must be balanced against the significant reduction in hospitalizations in patients with non-permanent AF and low risk for proarrhythmias following dronedarone treatment.
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- Brandes, Axel, et al.
(author)
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Consumer-Led Screening for Atrial Fibrillation : Frontier Review of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration
- 2022
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 146:19, s. 1461-1474
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The technological evolution and widespread availability of wearables and handheld ECG devices capable of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), and their promotion directly to consumers, has focused attention of health care professionals and patient organizations on consumer-led AF screening. In this Frontiers review, members of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration provide a critical appraisal of this rapidly evolving field to increase awareness of the complexities and uncertainties surrounding consumer-led AF screening. Although there are numerous commercially available devices directly marketed to consumers for AF monitoring and identification of unrecognized AF, health care professional-led randomized controlled studies using multiple ECG recordings or continuous ECG monitoring to detect AF have failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in stroke. Although it remains uncertain if consumer-led AF screening reduces stroke, it could increase early diagnosis of AF and facilitate an integrated approach, including appropriate anticoagulation, rate or rhythm management, and risk factor modification to reduce complications. Companies marketing AF screening devices should report the accuracy and performance of their products in high- and low-risk populations and avoid claims about clinical outcomes unless improvement is demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. Generally, the diagnostic yield of AF screening increases with the number, duration, and temporal dispersion of screening sessions, but the prognostic importance may be less than for AF detected by single-time point screening, which is largely permanent, persistent, or high-burden paroxysmal AF. Consumer-initiated ECG recordings suggesting possible AF always require confirmation by a health care professional experienced in ECG reading, whereas suspicion of AF on the basis of photoplethysmography must be confirmed with an ECG. Consumer-led AF screening is unlikely to be cost-effective for stroke prevention in the predominantly young, early adopters of this technology. Studies in older people at higher stroke risk are required to demonstrate both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The direct interaction between companies and consumers creates new regulatory gaps in relation to data privacy and the registration of consumer apps and devices. Although several barriers for optimal use of consumer-led screening exist, results of large, ongoing trials, powered to detect clinical outcomes, are required before health care professionals should support widespread adoption of consumer-led AF screening.
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- Camm, A. John, et al.
(author)
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AIM-AF : A Physician Survey in the United States and Europe
- 2022
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In: Journal of the American Heart Association. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 2047-9980. ; 11:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Guideline recommendations are the accepted reference for selection of therapies for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was designed to understand physicians' treatment practices and adherence to guidelines.Methods and Results: The AIM-AF (Antiarrhythmic Medication for Atrial Fibrillation) study was an online survey of clinical cardiologists and electrophysiologists that was conducted in the United States and Europe (N=629). Respondents actively treated >= 30 patients with AF who received drug therapy, and had received or were referred for ablation every 3 months. The survey comprised 96 questions on physician demographics, AF types, and treatment practices. Overall, 54% of respondents considered guidelines to be the most important nonpatient factor influencing treatment choice. Across most queried comorbidities, amiodarone was selected by 60% to 80% of respondents. Other nonadherent usage included sotalol by 21% in patients with renal impairment; dofetilide initiation (16%, United States only) outside of hospital; class Ic agents by 6% in coronary artery disease; and dronedarone by 8% in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Additionally, rhythm control strategies were frequently chosen in asymptomatic AF (antiarrhythmic drugs [AADs], 35%; ablation, 8%) and subclinical AF (AADs, 38%; ablation, 13%). Despite guideline algorithms emphasizing safety first, efficacy (48%) was selected as the most important consideration for AAD choice, followed by safety (34%).Conclusions: Despite surveyed clinicians recognizing the importance of guidelines, nonadherence was frequently observed. While deviation may be reasonable in selected patients, in general, nonadherence has the potential to compromise patient safety. These findings highlight an underappreciation of the safe use of AADs, emphasizing the need for interventions to support optimal AAD selection.
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