Wednesday, June 22, 2016

How should we define valvular and non-valvular atrial fibrillation?


When the NOACs were first introduced atrial fibrillation associated with any hemodynamically significant valvular disease was considered valvular AF, excluding patients for treatment with a NOAC. Subsequently NOAC indications with respect to type of valve have been liberalized somewhat. The present consensus seems to be that patients considered to have valvular AF are those with rheumatic mitral disease, a valvular prosthesis (either tissue or mechanical) and possibly those with MV repair. Here is a recent review.

No comments: