Kommentar zu „ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation – executive summary“

[Knowledge of guidelines for anticoagulation management of patients with atrial fibrillation]

INTRODUCTION

In Germany, about 1 million people are affected by atrial fibrillation (AF). Morbidity and mortality are high especially due to the risk of thromboembolic events. A valid risk stratification by the CHADS2 criteria is critical regarding the indication for anticoagulation and thus to improve prognosis. To what extent these criteria and guidelines are known and have been implemented among cardiologists and general practitioners in Germany has not been evaluated so far.

METHODS

A total of 558 cardiologists (46.8 %) and general practitioners (52.5 %) were surveyed during the annual meeting of the German Society of Cardiology or in writing in a representative sample of German general practitioners.

RESULTS

Compared to 51.8 % of general practitioners, 87.6 % of cardiologists (p < 0.001) claimed to know the CHADS2 criteria. In the total cohort, CHADS2 criteria were correctly identified as risk factors by 55.6-86.9 %. Cardiologists had significantly better knowledge of these criteria (63.6-91.2 % vs. 55.6-86.9 %, p < 0.001). A previous history of cerebral stroke was known to be a risk factor in almost all physicians in contrast to heart failure (47.3 % of cardiologists vs. 36.0 % of general practitioners, p < 0.001). Physicians who had attended a training course on anticoagulation and atrial fibrillation (n = 380) in the 2 years prior to the survey performed significantly better (p = 0.007) than those without training (n = 173).

CONCLUSION

While the majority of cardiologists knew the CHADS2 criteria and the related guidelines, these criteria were less known in the primary care sector. Nevertheless, even cardiologists do not always apply the guidelines for anticoagulation in AF correctly. Participants of training courses had a significantly better knowledge of these guidelines.

[Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation. Strategies in special situations]

Morbidity and mortality associated with atrial fibrillation are mainly related to thromboembolic complications, particularly ischemic strokes. The prevention of thromboembolism is an important component of the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The choice of optimum antithrombotic therapy for a given patient depends on the risk of thromboembolism, on the one hand, and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, on the other hand. Concerning the benefit-to-risk stratification, the problem lies in the similar and sometimes even identical risk factors for both thromboembolism and hemorrhage.At present, oral vitamin K antagonists are recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation at moderate or high risk of ischemic stroke. The thromboembolic risk should be assessed using validated stratification schemes, such as the CHADS(2) score for basic orientation and the CHA(2)DS(2)VASc score for extended risk stratification. Aspirin alone is recommended for patients at low risk of thromboembolic complications. Problems in antithrombotic therapy of atrial fibrillation arise treating those patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation, those with contraindication for vitamin K antagonists, or those with persisting left atrial thrombus requiring electrical cardioversion. The optimum therapeutic management of these special patients has not yet been defined by proper studies, leaving only empirically based recommendations for their treatment.Hopefully the development of new antithrombotic agents, that are easier to use and have a superior benefit-to-risk ratio, will extend effective prevention of thromboembolic events to a greater part of the atrial fibrillation population at risk.

[Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: when vitamin K antagonists? When aspirin? When heparin? When combinations of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs?]

Morbidity and mortality associated with atrial fibrillation are mainly related to thromboembolic complications, particularly ischemic strokes. The prevention of thromboembolism is an important component in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The choice of optimum antithrombotic therapy for a given patient depends on the risk of thromboembolism, on the one hand, and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, on the other hand. Concerning the benefit-to-risk stratification the problem lies in the similar and sometimes even identical risk factors for both thromboembolism and haemorrhage.At present, oral vitamin K antagonists are recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation at moderate or high risk of ischemic stroke. The thromboembolic risk should be assessed using validated stratification schemes, such as the CHADS(2) score. Aspirin alone is recommended for patients at low risk of thromboembolic complications. A combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs is necessary in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation, but the optimal therapeutic management of these patients has not yet been defined. Hopefully, the development of new antithrombotic agents being easier to use and having a superior benefit-to-risk ratio will extend effective prevention of thromboembolic events to a greater part of the atrial fibrillation population at risk.

[Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation - an update]

The correct anticoagulation regimen for prevention of thromboembolic events is essential in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, only a minority of patients receives anticoagulation according to the guidelines. The current guidelines are intended to make the indication for anticoagulation more simple and are summarized in the present article. This includes recommendations for chronic anticoagulation, prevention of thromboembolic events after cardioversion and in ablation of atrial fibrillation.