Nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. Risk of stroke and role of antithrombotic therapy.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia complicating ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), while ventricular arrhythmias (VA) can, not only be accompanied by a hemodynamic disorder, but in some cases, worsen its prognosis. The article presents a modern view on risk factors for development of AF (elderly age, left ventricle systolic dysfunction, heart failure, etc.), strategy and tactics of AF treatment in patients with STEMI, the indications for its pharmacological cardioversion and electro-impulse therapy. It is shown that I.V. administration of betablockers and in some cases amiodarone for reducing the frequency of ventricular contractions is advisable. Features and argumentative issues of triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF with STEMI, the possibilities and indications for the use of double antithrombotic therapy instead of triple one are described. Clinical significance and peculiarities of treatment of various types of VA have been determined, the role of myocardial revascularization, radiofrequency catheter ablation, normalization of electrolyte imbalance, use of beta-blockers and amiodarone in the prevention and therapy of lifethreatening ventricular arrhythmias has been emphasized. The irrationality, and sometimes the risk of carrying out prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy for AF and VA in the acute stage of STEMI, as well as the role of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in primary prevention of death in certain groups of patients with low left ventricle ejection fraction after myocardial infarction was noted. The value of various antiarrhythmic drugs in their effect on the improvement of prognosis in patients after STEMI is estimated. The material is presented based on modern recommendations for the treatment of patients with STEMI, therapy of AF and VA, prevention of sudden cardiac death, as well as data from several controlled studies and own clinical experience of pharmacotherapy of arrhythmias.

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The Role of Antithrombotic Therapy in Heart Failure

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666200531151823 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (23) ◽

pp. 2735-2761

Author(s):

Christina Chrysohoou ◽

Nikolaos Magkas ◽

Christos-Konstantinos Antoniou ◽

Panagiota Manolakou ◽

Aggeliki Laina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Antithrombotic Therapy ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Heart Failure Patients ◽

Patients With Heart Failure ◽

Artery Disease

: Heart failure is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality burden affecting approximately 1-2% of adults in developed countries, mounting to over 10% in individuals aged >70 years old. Heart failure is characterized by a prothrombotic state and increased rates of stroke and thromboembolism have been reported in heart failure patients compared with the general population. However, the impact of antithrombotic therapy on heart failure remains controversial. Administration of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy is the obvious (and well-established) choice in heart failure patients with cardiovascular comorbidity that necessitates their use, such as coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation. In contrast, antithrombotic therapy has not demonstrated any clear benefit when administered for heart failure per se, i.e. with heart failure being the sole indication. Randomized studies have reported decreased stroke rates with warfarin use in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, but at the expense of excessive bleeding. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants have shown a better safety profile in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation compared with warfarin, however, current evidence about their role in heart failure with sinus rhythm is inconclusive and further research is needed. In the present review, we discuss the role of antithrombotic therapy in heart failure (beyond coronary artery disease), aiming to summarize evidence regarding the thrombotic risk and the role of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in patients with heart failure.

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