How to Manage Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department: a Critical Appraisal

Rafael Thiesen  Magliari; José Nunes de Alencar Neto

Authors

Rafael Thiesen Magliari Hospital Santa Paula – São Paulo (SP), Brazil/ Centro de Arritmias e Eletrofisiologia Cardíaca – São Paulo (SP), Brazil/ Sociedade Brasileira de Arritmias Cardíacas – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
José Nunes de Alencar Neto Sociedade Brasileira de Arritmias Cardíacas – São Paulo (SP), Brazil/ Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia – São Paulo (SP), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3835-6067

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in emergency departments. There is growing evidence that certain patients with acute atrial fibrillation can be safely managed in the emergency room without the need for hospitalization, minimizing costs and reducing unnecessary exposures. This review addresses the emergency management of atrial fibrillation based on the latest updates on the subject with a focus on the assessment and prevention of thromboembolic phenomena, control of frequency x control of rhythm and strategies for cardioversion and restoration of sinus rhythm or for heart rate control.

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References

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