ReviewThromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation
Section snippets
Identification of published research
The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for the Medical Subject Headings ā(atrial fibrillation) AND (thromboembolism OR embolism OR ischemia OR transient ischemic attack OR stroke)ā and related terms in reports published from January 1986 to September 2009, with a focus on more recent publications. Further literature was identified from the reference lists of retrieved reports. This systematic term-driven literature search was intended to find the most reports with direct
AF
The pathogenesis and treatment strategies of AF, such as rate and rhythm control, are covered by other guidelines and publications.1, 2, 16, 17, 18 These treatment strategies, as well as the prevention of AF itself, can contribute to an overall reduction in the risk for thromboembolism. However, thromboembolism may occur even with optimal AF treatment.2, 16
Left atrial thrombus formation
During episodes of AF, cardiac blood flow is reduced, especially in the left atrial appendage, which is the major site of thrombus formation.
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