Pre- and post-procedural cardiac imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) in electrophysiology: a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology.

Imaging using cardiac computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become an important option for anatomic and substrate delineation in complex atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures. Computed tomography more common than MR has been used to detect procedure-associated complications such as oesophageal, cerebral, and vascular injury. This clinical consensus statement summarizes the current knowledge of CT and MR to facilitate electrophysiological procedures, the current value of real-time integration of imaging-derived anatomy, and substrate information during the procedure and the current role of CT and MR in diagnosing relevant procedure-related complications.

Myocardial involvement in coronavirus disease 19.

Background: In late 2019, a cohort of patients presenting with pneumonia of unclear etiology in Wuhan, China, heralded the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Previous severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) beta-coronavirus infections have been associated with tachyarrhythmias and signs and symptoms of heart failure. The emergence of SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, has rapidly developed into a pandemic, and a large number of infected patients have been reported to have underlying cardiovascular disease.

Recommendations for participation in leisure-time physical activity and competitive sports in patients with arrhythmias and potentially arrhythmogenic conditions: Part 1: Supraventricular arrhythmias. A position statement of the Section of Sports Cardiology and Exercise from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), both associations of the European Society of Cardiology.

Symptoms attributable to arrhythmias are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Cardiologists and sport physicians are required to identify high-risk individuals harbouring such conditions and provide appropriate advice regarding participation in regular exercise programmes and competitive sport. The three aspects that need to be considered are: (a) the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias by participating in sports; (b) control of symptoms due to arrhythmias that are not life-threatening but may hamper performance and/or reduce the quality of life; and (c) the impact of sports on the natural progression of the underlying arrhythmogenic condition.

Educational needs among physicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation: lessons for Poland from the European Society of Cardiology international educational needs assessment study.

Introduction: A study by the European Society of Cardiology assessing international educational needs has identified educational and organizational barriers preventing the implementation of optimal therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) across European countries.

Objectives: Our aim was to investigate educational and organizational barriers in the implementation of guideline‑recommended AF care that are specific to physicians and health-care system in Poland.

Patients And Methods: An internet‑based survey was conducted to assess education, skills, and confidence in managing patients with AF among European cardiologists, neurologists, and family physicians (FPs) from 6 countries.

[The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: executive summary].

Poniższy tekst jest streszczeniem drugiej aktualizacji oryginalnego praktycznego przewodnika opublikowanego w 2013 roku. Leki przeciwkrzepliwe niebędące antagonistami witaminy K (NOAC) stanowią cenną alternatywę dla antagonistów witaminy K (VKA) w zapobieganiu udarom u pacjentów z migotaniem przedsionków (AF) i uznano je za leki preferowane, szczególnie dla osób rozpoczynających leczenie przeciwkrzepliwe. Zarówno lekarze, jak i pacjenci przyzwyczajają się do ich stosowania w praktyce klinicznej, istnieje jednak wiele nierozwiązanych kwestii dotyczących optymalnego stosowania tych leków w określonych sytuacjach klinicznych.

The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation: executive summary.

The current manuscript is the Executive Summary of the second update to the original Practical Guide, published in 2013. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are an alternative for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and have emerged as the preferred choice, particularly in patients newly started on anticoagulation. Both physicians and patients are becoming more accustomed to the use of these drugs in clinical practice.

The 2018 European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

The current manuscript is the second update of the original Practical Guide, published in 2013 [Heidbuchel et al. European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2013;15:625-651; Heidbuchel et al.

Major knowledge gaps and system barriers to guideline implementation among European physicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation: a European Society of Cardiology international educational needs assessment.

Aims: Guideline-adherent treatment is associated with improved prognosis in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients but is insufficiently implemented in clinical practice. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) performed a multinational educational needs assessment study among cardiologists, general practitioners/family physicians (GPs/FPs), and neurologists in order to evaluate knowledge and skills of physicians and system factors related to AF care delivery.

Methods And Results: A total of 561 physicians (294 cardiologists, 131 neurologists, and 136 GPs/FPs) from six European countries participated.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Apixaban and Vitamin K Antagonist Therapy in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Treated in Routine German Practice.

Background: Scarce data comparing real-world outcomes between apixaban and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) users with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are available. We sought to assess the effectiveness and safety of newly-initiated apixaban vs. VKA in German NVAF patients.

[Perioperative anticoagulation with NOAC using the example of rivaroxaban].

Background: Recent findings require an update of earlier recommendations on the perioperative management of non Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC).

Method: The present position paper summarises the outcomes of an expert panel discussion.

Results And Conclusions: Based on the pharmacokinetic profile of rivaroxaban, a preoperative interruption of 24-72 hours is recommended depending on the patient's renal function, as well as individual and surgery-related bleeding risks.

Real-world evidence of stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in the United States: the REVISIT-US study.

Background: Little data exists regarding the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban or apixaban versus warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients treated outside of clinical trials.

Methods: This was a retrospective study using MarketScan claims from January 2012 to October 2014. We included adults, newly initiated on rivaroxaban, apixaban or warfarin, with a baseline CHADS-VASc score ≥2, ≥2 diagnosis codes for NVAF and ≥180 days of continuous medical and prescription benefits.

Updated European Heart Rhythm Association practical guide on the use of non-vitamin-K antagonist anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Executive summary.

In 2013, the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) published a Practical Guide on the use of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (Heidbuchel H, Verhamme P, Alings M, Antz M, Hacke W, Oldgren J, Sinnaeve P, Camm AJ, Kirchhof P, European Heart Rhythm A. European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2013;15:625-651; Heidbuchel H, Verhamme P, Alings M, Antz M, Hacke W, Oldgren J, Sinnaeve P, Camm AJ, Kirchhof P.

Updated European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

The current manuscript is an update of the original Practical Guide, published in June 2013[Heidbuchel H, Verhamme P, Alings M, Antz M, Hacke W, Oldgren J, et al. European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Europace 2013;15:625-51; Heidbuchel H, Verhamme P, Alings M, Antz M, Hacke W, Oldgren J, et al.

[Localization of the origin of idiopathic ventricular extrasystoles and tachycardia from the outflow tract].

Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) are a common cause for complaints. As a rule PVCs are not life-threatening if no structural heart disease is present; however, due to the symptoms treatment is often required using either antiarrhythmic drugs or more commonly catheter ablation. The surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is very helpful in localizing the origin of the arrhythmia, in particular for differentiating right from left ventricular sources.

[Pre-interventional, peri-interventional and post-interventional anticoagulation in the setting of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation : current practice and practical approach].

In addition to treatment with drugs to control the rate and rhythm, the method of catheter ablation is a cornerstone in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Another crucial part in treating patients with atrial fibrillation is an adequate oral anticoagulation. Apart from the vitamin K antagonists (VKA) phenprocoumon and warfarin, the direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban have been approved for oral anticoagulation of patients with atrial fibrillation.

[Oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation].

The correct oral anticoagulation for prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation and a corresponding risk profile is essential. However, anticoagulation is not carried out according to the guidelines in all patients. The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new treatment alternative to vitamin K antagonists.

In vivo contact force analysis and correlation with tissue impedance during left atrial mapping and catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo contact force (CF) and the correlation of CF with impedance during left atrial 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping and ablation.

Methods And Results: CF during point-by-point left atrial mapping was assessed in 30 patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation. Operators were blinded to the real-time CF data.

European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on the use of new oral anticoagulants in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are an alternative for vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Both physicians and patients will have to learn how to use these drugs effectively and safely in clinical practice. Many unresolved questions on how to optimally use these drugs in specific clinical situations remain.