Filling a gap in the literature, this all-encompassing reference explores the epidemiology, mechanisms, and pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and compiles the latest diagnostic and treatment practices for patient care. The book summarizes the most recent advances in symptom relief, drug development, device management, and long-term control of heart rhythm abnormalities and reviews the latest studies on the prevention of stroke and other thromboembolic events in patients with valvular and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Finally, it offers new strategies to improve the therapy and...

Cardiac electrophysiologists have many options for treating arrhythmias, including catheter ablation and implantable cardiac defibrillators.? Antiarrhythmic agents, which are pharmaceutical agents used to suppress fast rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias), represent another treatment option. This issue summarizes? the most current thinking on the role of pharmaceuticals in relation to other types of treatment, helping electrophysiologists to determine the best method for managing their patients.