preface

Part 1: Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
1.
Our hearts are
2.
Electrical flow in the heart
3.
What type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation?
4.
The left atrium is important in atrial fibrillation.
5.
Atrial fibrillation: How common is this arrhythmia?
6.
Can children and adolescents also develop atrial fibrillation?
7.
Atrial fibrillation and family history
8.
What causes atrial fibrillation?
9.
Is atrial fibrillation a progressive disease?
10.
The Difference Between Paroxysmal, Persistent, and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation
11.
What the 2023 AHA (American Heart Association) New Atrial Fibrillation Classification Means
12.
How is atrial flutter different from atrial fibrillation?
13.
Is the treatment for atrial flutter different from that for atrial fibrillation?

Part 2: Symptoms and Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation
1.
The main symptoms of atrial fibrillation are
2.
There is also asymptomatic atrial fibrillation.
3.
What are the emergencies that patients with atrial fibrillation may experience?
4.
How should I respond in an emergency?
5.
How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?
6.
What tests are needed for patients with atrial fibrillation?
7.
It says atrial fibrillation on the smartwatch.
8.
What role can artificial intelligence (AI) play in atrial fibrillation?
9.
What role can remote monitoring play in atrial fibrillation?
10.
Could genetic testing help with atrial fibrillation?

Part 3 Risk Factors and Related Diseases
1.
Above all, hypertension must be treated thoroughly.
2.
Diabetes and atrial fibrillation
3.
Do drinking and smoking affect atrial fibrillation?
4.
Why Weight Management Is Important
5.
Does hyperthyroidism cause atrial fibrillation?
6.
How common is atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure?
7.
If you have had a myocardial infarction, are you more likely to develop atrial fibrillation?
8.
Is sleep apnea linked to atrial fibrillation?
9.
The association between atrial fibrillation and chronic lung disease
10.
What is the relationship between chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation?
11.
Management of postoperative atrial fibrillation

Part 4 Complications of Atrial Fibrillation
1.
Complications of atrial fibrillation - stroke
2.
Complications of atrial fibrillation - heart failure
3.
Complications of atrial fibrillation - thromboembolism
4.
Complications of atrial fibrillation - dementia and cognitive decline
5.
Complications of atrial fibrillation - Increased risk of death
6.
The Status of Atrial Fibrillation in Korea - 2024 Korean Arrhythmia Society Fact Sheet

Part 5: The Importance of Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation
1.
When is stroke particularly likely to occur in atrial fibrillation?
2.
What is the most effective way to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation?
3.
Should I continue anticoagulation therapy after a stroke?
4.
Procedures/surgical methods to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation
5.
How much stroke prevention can be achieved by taking anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation?
6.
Is aspirin also effective in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation?

Part 6: The Reality of Anticoagulant Therapy
1.
Comparison of anticoagulants warfarin and DOACs
2.
When should I use the anticoagulant warfarin and what precautions should I take?
3. How can I predict my bleeding risk while taking DOACs? - DOAC Score
4.
What should I do if I experience bleeding while taking anticoagulants?
5.
Liver disease and anticoagulant selection in patients with atrial fibrillation
6.
How much does taking anticoagulants increase my risk of bleeding?
7.
Should I stop taking anticoagulants before and after surgery?
8.
Stopping anticoagulants before and after surgery - PERIXa protocol
9.
If the atrial fibrillation treatment is successful and sinus rhythm is maintained, do I need to continue taking anticoagulants?
10.
People taking anticoagulants should remember the following:

Part 7 Rhythm Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
1.
Recent Changes in Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: From Cure to Prevention and Management
2.
To summarize the treatment of atrial fibrillation:
3.
The Difference Between Rhythm Control and Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
4.
Is rhythm control always necessary in the treatment of atrial fibrillation?
5.
When rhythm control is needed in atrial fibrillation
6.
Can atrial fibrillation appear suddenly and return to normal on its own?
7.
Can atrial fibrillation be controlled with medication?
8.
What is the 'Pill in the Pocket' emergency treatment for atrial fibrillation?
9.
In what cases is direct current cardioversion performed for atrial fibrillation?
10.
What is an appropriate heart rate for atrial fibrillation?

Part 8: Treatment of atrial fibrillation
1.
In what cases is catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation performed?
2.
How is catheter ablation performed for atrial fibrillation?
3.
What are the side effects and risks of atrial fibrillation treatment?
4.
If the procedure is successful, will I be free from atrial fibrillation?
5.
The procedure was successful, but can it recur?
6.
Medical factors affecting recurrence after treatment
7.
Is recurrence after treatment a complete failure?
8.
What is pulsed field ablation (PFA), a new treatment for atrial fibrillation?
9.
Who is suitable for pulsed ablation (PFA)?
10.
Is pulsed ablation (PFA) 100% safe?
11.
Is surgical treatment also available for atrial fibrillation?
12.
A pacemaker may be needed in atrial fibrillation.

Part 9 Lifestyle Management and Prevention
1.
Living with Atrial Fibrillation - For Those First Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation
2.
Can people with atrial fibrillation get the flu or COVID-19 pneumonia vaccine?
3.
Does regular exercise help?
4.
Is alcohol contraindicated in atrial fibrillation?
5.
Is coffee also contraindicated in atrial fibrillation?
6.
What should patients with atrial fibrillation be careful about when taking painkillers?
7.
Principles of Pain Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
8.
What should patients with atrial fibrillation be aware of when traveling?
9.
What foods are good for atrial fibrillation?

Part 10: Understanding and Helping Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
1.
How Atrial Fibrillation Patients Can Communicate Effectively with Their Doctors
2.
What should I do if I experience depression or anxiety due to atrial fibrillation?
3.
What should family members or caregivers of people with atrial fibrillation know?

Part 11: Atrial fibrillation, a topic that even doctors are curious about
1.
Initial evaluation of atrial fibrillation unexpectedly diagnosed on electrocardiogram
2.
What is the first thing a doctor should do when examining a patient with atrial fibrillation?
3.
If you have a pounding heart and suspect arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation, but no abnormalities are found on the electrocardiogram, how should you approach the situation?
4.
Why is wearable electrocardiogram monitoring gaining attention in the early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation?
5.
The relationship between frequent premature atrial contractions and atrial fibrillation
6.
If sinus rhythm persists after atrial fibrillation treatment, should I continue taking antiarrhythmic medication?
7.
If sinus rhythm persists after atrial fibrillation treatment, should I continue taking anticoagulants?
8.
Atrial fibrillation treatment isn't just about procedures.
9.
To patients, 'atrial fibrillation' sounds like a foreign language.
10.
Division of Roles between Primary Care Institutions and Advanced University Hospitals in Atrial Fibrillation Management

preface

The number of people with atrial fibrillation in our country has exceeded 1 million.
Diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation are constantly evolving, and global treatment guidelines are frequently updated every few years.
The reality is that even cardiologists quickly fall behind if they don't keep up diligently.
So, to the patient, the word atrial fibrillation is like a foreign language.

The term "shared decision making" appears frequently in the latest clinical guidelines for atrial fibrillation management.
Simply put, it means that the doctor and patient discuss and decide together.
However, how can we discuss and decide on a decision when the patient has no idea and the doctor is not sure?

Atrial fibrillation often occurs in middle-aged or older adults and persists throughout life. The severity of the disease, complications, and prognosis vary greatly from person to person, and treatment strategies vary accordingly.
At that point, it is difficult for even doctors to be certain in advance which choice is best for the patient.
Therefore, it is a meaningful and shared decision-making process for the patient and their family to fully understand the pros and cons of various options and then consult with the doctor to choose one of them.

However, for this to be possible, both the doctor and the patient must have a thorough understanding of atrial fibrillation.
This is why I decided to publish this book.
We've compiled 100 questions and answers about atrial fibrillation, answering all the questions patients and medical professionals have about it.
Through this book, patients and their families who are struggling with the foreign term "atrial fibrillation" can understand what stage of atrial fibrillation they are in and what process they will take in the future.
Additionally, medical professionals who encounter patients with atrial fibrillation will understand specific ways to provide practical help to patients.

Professor Emeritus, Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine
Noh Tae-ho Paulo Internal Medicine, Heart & Arrhythmia Clinic
Noh Tae-ho