A review of the AFFIRM and RACE trials outlines current evidence for managing atrial fibrillation with anticoagulation, rate-control, and rhythm-control, highlighting key implications for nursing care.
This review summarizes evidence from major atrial fibrillation trials to guide nursing care, including physiologic and psychosocial interventions.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac dysrhythmia treated in North America and Europe. As such, it is one of the current epidemics in cardiovascular disease. Findings from the AFFIRM (Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up: Investigation of Rhythm Management) and RACE (RAte Control versus Electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation) clinical trials are presented and the current evidence for the management of atrial fibrillation using anticoagulation, rate-control, and rhythm-control strategies is outlined. Implications for nurses are discussed including physiologic and psychosocial interventions.
Joyce C. Kellen (Mon,) conducted a review in Atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulation, rate-control, and rhythm-control strategies was evaluated. A review of the AFFIRM and RACE trials outlines current evidence for managing atrial fibrillation with anticoagulation, rate-control, and rhythm-control, highlighting key implications for nursing care.