Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department
Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently presents in emergency departments (EDs), contributing significantly to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite established guidelines, ED management of AF often varies, revealing important gaps in care. This review addresses specific challenges in AF management f...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3425/12/1/20 |
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| author | Brian Xiangzhi Wang |
| author_facet | Brian Xiangzhi Wang |
| author_sort | Brian Xiangzhi Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently presents in emergency departments (EDs), contributing significantly to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite established guidelines, ED management of AF often varies, revealing important gaps in care. This review addresses specific challenges in AF management for patients in the ED, including the nuances of rate versus rhythm control, the timing of anticoagulation initiation, and patient disposition. The updated 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines advocate early rhythm control for select patients while recommending rate control for others; however, uncertainties persist, particularly regarding these strategies’ long-term impact on outcomes. Stroke prevention through timely anticoagulation remains crucial, though the ideal timing, especially for new-onset AF, needs further research. Additionally, ED discharge protocols and follow-up care for AF patients are often inconsistent, leaving many without proper long-term management. Integration of emerging therapies, including direct oral anticoagulants and advanced antiarrhythmic drugs, shows potential but remains uneven across EDs. Innovative multidisciplinary models, such as “AF Heart Teams” and observation units, could enhance care but face practical challenges in implementation. This review underscores the need for targeted research to refine AF management, optimize discharge protocols, and incorporate novel therapies effectively. Standardizing ED care for AF could significantly reduce stroke risk, lower readmission rates, and improve overall patient outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-1e2564daf2094d70b25ebdae328e703b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2308-3425 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease |
| spelling | doaj-art-1e2564daf2094d70b25ebdae328e703b2025-01-24T13:36:00ZengMDPI AGJournal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease2308-34252025-01-011212010.3390/jcdd12010020Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency DepartmentBrian Xiangzhi Wang0Department of Cardiology, Jersey General Hospital, Gloucester Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE1 3QS, UKAtrial fibrillation (AF) frequently presents in emergency departments (EDs), contributing significantly to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Despite established guidelines, ED management of AF often varies, revealing important gaps in care. This review addresses specific challenges in AF management for patients in the ED, including the nuances of rate versus rhythm control, the timing of anticoagulation initiation, and patient disposition. The updated 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines advocate early rhythm control for select patients while recommending rate control for others; however, uncertainties persist, particularly regarding these strategies’ long-term impact on outcomes. Stroke prevention through timely anticoagulation remains crucial, though the ideal timing, especially for new-onset AF, needs further research. Additionally, ED discharge protocols and follow-up care for AF patients are often inconsistent, leaving many without proper long-term management. Integration of emerging therapies, including direct oral anticoagulants and advanced antiarrhythmic drugs, shows potential but remains uneven across EDs. Innovative multidisciplinary models, such as “AF Heart Teams” and observation units, could enhance care but face practical challenges in implementation. This review underscores the need for targeted research to refine AF management, optimize discharge protocols, and incorporate novel therapies effectively. Standardizing ED care for AF could significantly reduce stroke risk, lower readmission rates, and improve overall patient outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3425/12/1/20atrial fibrillationemergency medicinearrhythmia |
| spellingShingle | Brian Xiangzhi Wang Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease atrial fibrillation emergency medicine arrhythmia |
| title | Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department |
| title_full | Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department |
| title_fullStr | Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department |
| title_short | Bridging the Gaps in Atrial Fibrillation Management in the Emergency Department |
| title_sort | bridging the gaps in atrial fibrillation management in the emergency department |
| topic | atrial fibrillation emergency medicine arrhythmia |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3425/12/1/20 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT brianxiangzhiwang bridgingthegapsinatrialfibrillationmanagementintheemergencydepartment |