Guðmundsdóttir I J, Arnar D O
Division of internal medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Laeknabladid. 2000 Dec;86(12):841-7.
Atrial fibrillation is an increasing health care problem and the incidence of this arrhythmia is expected to increase substantially in the next two decades. Atrial fibrillation can be seen in patients with structural heart disease as well as those who have a normal heart. A variety of underlying mechanisms can lead to atrial fibrillation, including parasympathetic stimulation causing vagal atrial fibrillation. Complications of atrial fibrillation include congestive heart failure and stroke. Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for increased mortality. In recent years a number of new treatment options have emerged. Anticoagulation decreases the risk of stroke and new antiarrhythmic drugs have been developed which increase the likelihood of conversion to and subsequent maintenance of sinus rhythm. In addition there have been advances in the approach to electrical cardioversion. Radiofrequency ablation therapy is a promising option in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and could be increasingly utilized in the near future. This paper focuses on advances in the therapy of atrial fibrillation, including new pharmacological agents, radiofrequency ablation and electrical cardioversion.
心房颤动是一个日益严重的医疗保健问题，预计在未来二十年中这种心律失常的发病率将大幅上升。心房颤动可见于患有结构性心脏病的患者以及心脏正常的患者。多种潜在机制可导致心房颤动，包括引起迷走神经性心房颤动的副交感神经刺激。心房颤动的并发症包括充血性心力衰竭和中风。心房颤动是死亡率增加的独立危险因素。近年来出现了一些新的治疗选择。抗凝治疗可降低中风风险，并且已开发出新的抗心律失常药物，这些药物增加了转复为窦性心律并随后维持窦性心律的可能性。此外，在电复律方法方面也取得了进展。射频消融治疗是治疗心房颤动的一种有前景的选择，并且在不久的将来可能会越来越多地被使用。本文重点关注心房颤动治疗方面的进展，包括新的药物制剂、射频消融和电复律。
