Ebru Şahin

By Ebru Sahin and Ali Oto

Common risk factors, neurohormonal hyperactivation, development of fibrosis, and pathophysiological pathways such as electrophysiological remodeling result in frequent coexistence of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Their coexistence results in an increase in mortality and morbidity compared to their isolated course. As the severity of the diseases increases, their potential to trigger and worsen each other also increases. Recent studies have introduced both pharmacologic and invasive treatment strategies to facilitate the management of these two comorbid conditions, resulting in a reduction in the clinical course, morbidity, and mortality. Slowing or reducing atrial and ventricular remodeling, modification of modifiable risk factors, prevention of stroke, restoration of early atrial fibrillation to physiologic sinus rhythm, and tight rate and rhythm control are important steps in improving the course of these two conditions. Compared to previous years, new pharmacotherapies in heart failure have come to the fore in terms of improving prognosis. Similarly, in the management of atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation techniques are becoming increasingly prominent in rhythm control. The aim of this chapter is to explain the pathophysiology underlying these two comorbid conditions according to the current literature and to review the current treatment modalities according to the latest guidelines.

Part of the book: Atrial Fibrillation