European Society of Cardiology 2010 clinical practice guidelines on atrial fibrillation : an update on classification and pharmacotherapy

Abstract

The European Society of Cardiology guidelines published in 2010 offer an update on the previously published 2006 atrial fibrillation guidelines. The revisions are intended b optimize the understanding of the mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, and consequently the diagnosis and management of this common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, which afflicts up to 1·2% of the general population Ongoing research into the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and innovations in pharmacotherapy have forced a revised set of non-mandatory but advisory recommendations to guide clinicians and cardiologists along the challenging labyrinth which is atrial fibrillation management and diagnosis. The purpose of this synopses Is to highlight some of the most relevant changes Included In the 2010 guidelines in so far as classification and pharmacotherapy of atrial fibrillation is concerned.