The review presents the key provisions of the recommendations of the Russian society of cardiology and the guidelines of the European society of cardiology for the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), updated in 2020. The recommendations clearly state the requirements for atrial fibrillation diagnosis verification, and propose an approach to the formation of a complex characteristic of the disease in four positions, which is designated as 4S-AF (Stroke risk, Symptom severity, Severity of AF burden, Substrate severity). The authors analyzed the strategy "CC To ABC" (Confirm AF, Characterize AF, Treat AF: the ABC pathway) proposed by European experts, the issues of modern terminology and requirements for verifying the diagnosis of AF, complex characteristics of the disease and stratification of the risk of stroke and bleeding, a new ABC approach in the treatment of AF, where A is anticoagulant prevention of thromboembolic complications, B is the control of symptoms of the disease and C is the detection and treatment of comorbid pathology. The General principles that have changed in comparison with the previous versions of guidelines of 2016 on the initiation and tactics of anticoagulant therapy, pharmacological and non-drug cardioversion, catheter ablation in patients with AF, affecting the prognosis and outcomes in patients with AF, are outlined. It is emphasized that the pattern of atrial fibrillation (first diagnosed, paroxysmal, persistent, long-term persistent, permanent) should not determine the indications for anticoagulant prevention. The solution to this issue is determined by the level of risk according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scale. The introduction of the considered methods of diagnosis and treatment of AF into clinical practice will optimize the burden on the health care system and reduce the costs associated with the burden of AF.
Improved outcomes with European Society of Cardiology guideline-adherent antithrombotic treatment in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the EORP-AF General Pilot Registry
