End-stage renal disease is associated with a 10-30 times higher cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population, complicating stroke prevention management in atrial fibrillation.
This review highlights the clinical impact of chronic kidney disease on stroke prevention and management in patients with atrial fibrillation.
The increasing burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is highly relevant to cardiologists, as cardiovascular mortality is 10-30 times higher amongst people with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD), comparing with general population. One of the commonest associations is the increased frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) amongst those experiencing CKD. Overall, we know that AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. AF leads to a substantial risk of mortality and morbidity, from stroke and thromboembolism, heart failure, reduced cognitive function and impaired quality of life. However, most clinical trials in AF (for example, for stroke prevention in AF with anticoagulation therapy) have largely excluded patients with significant renal impairment. In this review article, we will focus on stroke prevention in AF, and the clinical impact of CKD and its implications for management.
Lau et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease. Stroke prevention was evaluated. End-stage renal disease is associated with a 10-30 times higher cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population, complicating stroke prevention management in atrial fibrillation.