1 The prevalence of AF increases with age - from rates lower than 0.5% among people aged 40–50 years, to 5%–15% among those aged 80 years - and is projected to double in the next 50 years, with the increasing age of the general population. Factors that predispose towards the risk of developing AF include hypertension, valve disease, obesity, sleep apnoea, diabetes and renal disease. Discontinuation of warfarin or equivalent therapies after ablation is generally not recommended in patients who have a CHADS 2 score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes, 1 point each prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack, 2 points) of ≥ 2.Ī trial fibrillation (AF) affects 1%–2% of the population, although this may be an underestimation, as the condition is often asymptomatic. Best results are obtained in younger patients with paroxysmal AF, no structural heart disease and smaller atria.Īblation techniques for patients with persistent AF are still undergoing evaluation.ĭiscontinuation of warfarin or equivalent therapies is not considered a sole indication for this procedure.Īfter AF ablation, anticoagulation therapy is generally recommended for all patients for at least 1–3 months. In selecting patients for catheter ablation of AF, consideration should be given to the patient’s age, duration of AF, left atrial size and the presence of significant structural heart disease. Our consensus is that the primary indication for catheter ablation of AF is the presence of symptomatic AF that is refractory or intolerant to at least one Class 1 or Class 3 antiarrhythmic medication. Our aim in this consensus statement is to provide recommendations on the use of primary catheter ablation for AF in Australia, on the basis of current evidence. AF is responsible for a significant and growing societal financial burden.Ĭatheter ablation is an increasingly used therapeutic strategy for the management of AF however, some confusion exists among those caring for patients with this condition about the role and optimal use of ablative treatments for AF. It is increasing in prevalence and is associated with excess mortality, considerable morbidity and hospitalisations. Statistics, epidemiology and research designĪtrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated to affect 1%–2% of the population.
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