COMMON TREATMENTS FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: AN EVIDENCE-INFORMED APPROACH

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the effects and outcomes of catheter ablations compared to routine medical therapy for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The goal is to explore the scientific literature related to patients' overall cardiac function, composite of death, stroke rate, and cardiac arrest after a catheter ablation versus when receiving pharmacologic treatment alone. Nearly half a million hospitalizations are attributed to atrial fibrillation each year, and the death rate for the condition has been continually rising for the past two decades (CDC, 2020). The Journal of The American College of Cardiology has determined practice guidelines for the treatment of care for patients experiencing atrial fibrillation. Through extensive research, the organization has laid out specific recommendations for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with various concurrent diseases and conditions. Overall, the organization states that for atrial fibrillation patients in which antiarrhythmic drugs are not effective, a catheter ablation is beneficial for improving symptoms (Joglar et al., 2023). A catheter ablation should be used as the first-line therapy to improve symptoms and reduce the progression of atrial fibrillation in patients with either few comorbidities or many comorbidities. In addition, the organization recommends that patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation after a catheter ablation are to be treated with a repeat catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic therapy. Following a cardiac ablation, the guidelines also suggest that patients are prescribed an oral anticoagulation agent for at least three months or longer, depending on their risk for a stroke (Joglar et al., 2023). Given the rising incidence of atrial fibrillation, it is essential that nurses receive proper education on the condition and its treatment options, including cardiac ablations and medications. To address this need, the development of an educational training program is recommended for all nurses to complete.