Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyGuideline or statement
Spotlight on the 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) management of atrial fibrillation guidelines: 10 novel key aspects
- Review of a guideline
Recommendations
As issued by the authors
AF-CARE framework: [C] comorbidity and risk factor management, [A] avoid stroke and thromboembolism, [R] reduce symptoms by rate and rhythm control, [E] evaluation and dynamic reassessment
Graphical patient pathways provided to enhance clinical application
New emphasis on comorbidity and risk factor control to reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and progression
Individualized risk assessment to guide initiation of oral anticoagulation
New guidance on anticoagulation in trigger-induced and device-detected sub-clinical AF, ischaemic stroke despite anticoagulation, and indications for percutaneous/surgical left atrial appendage exclusion
AF ablation is a first-line rhythm control option for suitable patients with paroxysmal AF; in specific patients rhythm control can improve prognosis
AF duration threshold for early cardioversion reduced from 48 to 24 h; wait-and-see approach for spontaneous conversion advised
Patient-centred, multidisciplinary, shared-care implementation, with a patient version of the guideline
Original publication
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it